Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 14 - 20 December 2020

Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 70 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 14 to 20 December 2020, and 26 455 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 285 speeding offences were recorded and 4 975 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R5 355 352.

Twelve vehicles were impounded and 95 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 154 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
• 89 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 86 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R122 400 were issued.

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 41 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 20 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 6 x fraudulent documentation
• 4 x reckless and negligent driving
• 5 x speeding
• 2 x goods overloading
• 1 x failure to furnish information
• 2 x bribery
• 1 x crimen injuria

Fatalities recorded between 14 and 20 December 2020

A total of 25 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 29 fatalities were recorded:

• 9 x driver 
• 3 x passenger
• 15 x pedestrian
• 2 x motorcyclist

A road safety message from the Department of Transport and Public Works

There has been a steady increase of active cases of COVID-19 in the Western Cape and certain other provinces over the last few weeks. If you are planning to travel over the festive season, wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times in any public transport vehicle, whether it is a minibus, a bus, a train, or an aircraft. Make sure the windows of any minibus, bus or train you travel in are open 5 cm on both sides of the vehicle. Use the free USSD code *134*234# to report on public transport compliance with safety measures. Sanitise or wash your hands regularly. When you arrive at your destination, avoid the three Cs – crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces.

If you are planning a long road trip, have your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers and tyres checked for faults. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave. Plan your trip so that you have a rest break every 200 km or every two hours. Do not drive in the emergency lane unless the road ahead is clear for at least 150 m. Never overtake on a blind rise or a solid line. Never drink and drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow down your response in an emergency. Keep your eyes on the road. Do not touch or look at cell phones and other electronic gadgets when you are driving.

A total of 29 people were killed this week in 25 crashes, 15 of them pedestrians. Whether we are driving, cycling or walking, we must all abide by all road safety precautions to stay safe and develop a strong safety culture. Be alert and prepared for anything. If you are a pedestrian, do not drink and walk, wear visible clothing, and remove headphones and earphones when you cross the road.

This week’s operational achievements include 20 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, six for fraudulent documentation, five for speeding, four for reckless and negligent driving, two for goods overloading, two for bribery, and one for crimen injuria.

Please maintain a safe following distance – a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead. Drive carefully, especially during rush hour and when visibility is poor. Harsh braking, accelerating into traffic and changing lanes improperly are all risky behaviours that increase the likelihood of a crash. Make sure you pull into traffic slowly. Be careful when you cross a traffic intersection, even if the light is green for you. Wear your seatbelt and ensure those travelling with you in the vehicle are buckled up.

Play your part in making our roads safe. Safer roads are everyone’s responsibility.