The Safely Home theme for February is Vulnerable Road Users. This week, 50 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence. 13 pedestrians were killed in crashes.

“Certain road users are more vulnerable than others”, said acting provincial Minister of Mobility Dr Ivan Meyer. “Children, people with disabilities and old people are more vulnerable than younger, able-bodied pedestrians. Cyclists and motorcyclists are more vulnerable than people in vehicles. Children are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a collision. This is because they are generally shorter than adults, and are therefore more likely to get hit in their heads and chests. Slow down when you see children near a road. They may be prone to impulsive and unexpected behaviour like running into the road after a ball or a pet without looking for oncoming traffic. Young children might not be good at judging the speed of an oncoming vehicle, so they may cross a road when it is not safe” he added.

The bodies of older people are more fragile, so they are likely to be more seriously injured or killed in a crash. Older people take longer to recover than younger people, and they are more likely to die from injuries sustained in a collision. Be careful when you see an older person crossing a road. Be patient – they may walk more slowly than others, and they may not be able to respond quickly to a dangerous situation.

Cyclists and motorcyclists are more vulnerable than people in a four-wheeled vehicles. They do not have the same hard surfaces around them for protection in a crash. Their bodies are directly exposed to the force of the collision and the force of secondary impacts, e.g., being knocked off their bikes to the ground.

“Look out for people on two-wheeled vehicles”, said Dr Meyer. “Keep 1.5m away when you pass them and don’t stop suddenly in front of a bicycle or motorcyclist.”

Life for people with disabilities, e.g. wheelchair users, is more complicated than it is for most of us. When you drive, be patient and understanding. Remember that wheelchair users are closer to the ground than most people, they are less mobile than able-bodied people.

Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 334 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations across the Western Cape in the week of 6 to 12 February 2023, and 35 566 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 10 479 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.

A total of 306 speeding offences were recorded. The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:

    175 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
    144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
    124 km/h in a 90 km/h zone
    124 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
    99 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
    Fifty-two vehicles were impounded and 75 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

Arrests

    A total of 81 arrests were made for the following offences:
    50 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
    3 x speeding.
    2 x reckless and negligent driving.
    1 x goods overloading.
    11 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
    6 x undocumented persons.
    2 x bribery.
    2 x resisting arrest.
    1 x fail to furnish information.
    1 x assault
    1 x crimen injuria
    1 x driving or riding a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Fatalities recorded between 6 to 12 February 2023

A total of 33 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 34 fatalities were recorded:

    10 x drivers.
    1 x cyclist.
    5 x motorcyclists.
    1 x other.
    4 x passengers.
    13 x pedestrians.

The road belongs to everybody, not just trucks, cars, buses and minibuses. #ShareTheRoad and be especially careful around vulnerable road users.

Media Enquiries

Jandre Bakker

Head of Communication                                                                                                                

Email: jandre.bakker@westerncape.gov.za