In the past week, 14 pedestrians died in the Western Cape, accounting for two-thirds of all traffic fatalities. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones due to traffic crashes during this period. We also wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.

I urge motorists to show consideration for pedestrians, who are highly vulnerable road users. I also caution pedestrians to cross any roads at formal crossings for their own safety.
 

Child pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users. My plea to drivers is to watch out for children and slow down when you see them. Due to their size, children are more likely to be hit by a vehicle in the head and chest, causing more serious and potentially fatal injuries.
 

If you are walking near a road, wearing visible clothing instead of dark colours can make all the difference, especially at night. The other critical safety measure for pedestrians is to not walk along any road while under the influence of alcohol. Please find a safer way to get home. Everyone has a role to play in improving road safety.
 

Many people are travelling home this week, preparing for the return to work and school. Please be patient, take your time and take extra care to ensure you and your loved ones arrive safely home. Check your vehicle’s roadworthiness, buckle up, don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, and take rest breaks every 200km or when you feel tired.
 

Our Provincial Traffic Officers continue their high visibility enforcement along all major routes in the Western Cape. Their weekly operational results demonstrate the consequences for those who ignore the rules of the road and put everyone at risk with reckless behaviour.

Results from WC Provincial Traffic Services – 2 to 7 January 2024
 

Provincial Traffic Officers conducted 250 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations; and stopped and checked 39 469 vehicles across the Western Cape.
 

A total of 12 714 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Forty-two vehicles were impounded and 132 were discontinued for being unroadworthy.

A total of 356 speeding offences were recorded, with the following highest speeds:

• 165km/h in a 120km/h zone
• 144km/h in a 100km/h zone
• 119km/h in a 90km/h zone
• 124Km/h in an 80km/h zone
• 94km/h in a 60km/h zone
• 64km/h in a 40km/h zone

A total of 68 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 34 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 1 x speeding
• 7 x reckless and negligent driving
• 19 x possession of fraudulent documentation
• 2 x inducing any authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/her duty
• 1 x failing to furnish information
• 2 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his or her duty
• 1 x pedestrian arrest
• 1 x threatening/ suggesting use of violence against a traffic officer

A total of 19 crashes and 21 fatalities were recorded, including:

• 5 x drivers
• 2 x passengers
• 14 x pedestrians