As we are approaching another busy weekend, I urge all road users to behave responsibly while using the road network.

The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works is ready, as always, to respond to any challenges during the New Year celebrations. We are expecting huge traffic volumes on our roads and our responses range from providing support to close or repair roads under our jurisdiction in case of emergencies like inclement weather, to traffic law enforcement.

I am seriously concerned about the high number of drunk drivers arrested last week. If you are caught driving under the influence, you could land up with a criminal record. Driving when you have been drinking is dangerous, regardless of how much, or how little, you drink. Alcohol affects your judgement and slows down your ability to respond in an emergency. You are likely to drive faster than you usually do, and less carefully. An error of judgement may mean killing or injuring someone on the road, in another vehicle, or in your own vehicle. The mistake you make in a moment could lead to a lifetime of regret.

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 190 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 20 to 27 December 2021, and 34 685 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 279 speeding offences were recorded and 5 873 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R8 701 250.

Thirty nine vehicles were impounded and 134 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 163 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 89km/h in a 60 km/h zone

National Road Traffic Act, Criminal Procedure Act, and Disaster Management Act regulations

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

• 39 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 1 x speeding
•  6 x reckless and negligent driving
• 10 x possession of fraudulent documentation
• 4 x bribery
• 2 x crimen injuria
• 2 x possession of illegal substance (Dagga)
• 1 x defeating the ends of justice
• 1 x threatens/suggest use of violence, injuries or damage to property of      officer, relatives or himself
• 2 x goods overload

Fatalities recorded between 20 to 27 December 2021

A total of  35 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 55 fatalities were recorded:

•  2 x cyclist
•  18 x drivers
• 2 x motor-cyclist
• 17 x passengers
• 14 x pedestrians
• 2 x Other

#BoozeFreeRoads

The consequences of irresponsible driving behaviour may be with you for the rest of your life. If you have a criminal record for driving under the influence, you may lose a job and struggle to get another one. If you are injured, it could affect your ability to make a living and support your dependants. If you kill or injure another breadwinner, that person’s dependants could suffer life-long consequences.

Think carefully about the value of your own life and the lives of others. If you go out and intend drinking, it is better not to drive at all. Rather find a safer way to get to the place you want to visit, and to get home. Use a taxi or an e-hailing vehicle to keep yourself and others safe.

Don’t drink and walk. Find a safer way to get home. Of the pedestrians who die in crashes and are tested for alcohol, over half have been drinking and about 40% of those are drunk. More than three times as many pedestrians die in crashes on Saturdays than on Wednesdays. Young men between the ages of 20 and 29 years are most vulnerable.

If you are a motorist, slow down wherever there are pedestrians, especially children and people who seem to have been drinking. Be particularly careful on weekends. Pedestrians may behave unpredictably by, for example, stepping out or running into the road without looking. Always give way to pedestrians when they have right of way.

If you drive a public transport vehicle, be extra careful throughout your journey. Never drink and drive. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that your operating licence is in order.

Ensure that you and all occupants are wearing a mask over their noses and mouths, and are sanitising regularly. Stay off the road during the curfew hours between 00:00 and 04:00.

Observe passenger limits – 100% of licensed carrying capacity for journeys shorter than 200 km, and 70% of carrying capacity for journeys of more than 200 km. Make sure the windows are always at least 5 cm open on both sides of your vehicle.

I wish all those who will be traveling home or back to work this weekend a safe journey.

Media Queries:   

Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka

Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell

Cell: 082 953 0026

Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za