The festive season is in full swing, and we are deeply concerned about the rising numbers of traffic crashes and fatalities on our roads. We need road users to take this situation seriously and obey the rules of the road.

Over the last week, our Provincial Traffic Officers have geared up significantly, stopping and checking over 37% more vehicles and issuing 55% more fines than the previous week. 

Alarmingly, the number of arrests made for drunk driving over the last week has quadrupled from 25, in the previous week, to 103 arrests. The number of passengers killed in road crashes has also increased dramatically.

The actions that keep people alive on the roads are simple - buckle up, check your vehicle and tyres, do NOT drink and drive, do NOT speed or take chances overtaking dangerously, stop and rest when tired or every 200km. 

Road freight companies - which are key to keeping our economy running - must ensure their truck drivers behave safely and are not under pressure to take risks. I have been flabbergasted watching large tucks overtaking two or three other trucks without adequate visibility. Or drivers not taking rest breaks to combat fatigue. Just one driver falling asleep at the wheel can have fatal consequences for many.

Our Provincial Traffic Officers are out in full force working closely with the South African Police Services and local authorities and doing an amazing job to ensure everyone arrives safely home. But we need to see road users stepping up and working with us to combat road crashes and fatalities this festive season.

The figures for crashes and fatalities since the beginning of December will be released in a Mid-Festive Season Report later this week.


Results from WC Provincial Traffic Services – 11 to 17 December 2023

Provincial Traffic Inspectors conducted 335 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations; and stopped and checked 47 404 vehicles (37% more than the previous week) across the Western Cape.

A total of 15 570 fines (55% more than the previous week) were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Nineteen vehicles were impounded and 171 were discontinued for being found to be unroadworthy.

A total of 228 speeding offences were recorded, with the following highest speeds:
• 182km/h in a 120km/h zone;
• 144km/h in a 100km/h zone; 
• 125km/h in an 80km/h zone;
• 99km/h in a 70km/h zone;
• 90km/h in a 60km/h zone; and
• 79km/h in a 40km/h zone.

A total of 138 arrests (182% more than the previous week) were made for the following offences:
• 103 x driving under the influence of alcohol (over 300% more than the previous week);
• 2 x speeding;
• 8 x reckless and negligent driving; 
• 5 x goods overloading; 
• 15 x possession of fraudulent documentation;
• 3 x bribery;
• 1 x resisting arrest; and
• 1 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his or her duty.   

A total of 21 crashes and 30 fatalities (over 40% more than the previous week) were recorded, including: 
• 4 x drivers;
• 1 x motorcyclist; 
• 15 x passengers (275% more than the previous week); and
• 10 x pedestrians.