Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 18 January – 24 January 2021

Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations

18 January – 24 January 2021

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 251 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 18 to 24 January 2021, and 25 326 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 379 speeding offences were recorded and 6 693 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R6 045 460.

Thirteen vehicles were impounded and 104 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

The highest speeds recorded were as follows:

• 192 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 125 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 104 km/h in a 70 km/h zone
• 99 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

Disaster Management Act

A total of 101 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R150 600 were issued. 

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act

A total of 25 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 6 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 4 x fraudulent documentation
• 6 x speeding
• 2 x reckless and negligent driving
• 2 x bribery
• 2 x possession of stolen goods
• 2 x transportation of liquor
• 1 x illegal possession of protected plants

Fatalities recorded between 18 to 24 January 2021

A total of 16 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 21 fatalities were recorded:

• 2 x drivers 
• 8 x passengers
• 11 x pedestrians

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

While active cases of COVID-19 in the Western Cape seem to be plateauing, the pandemic is likely to be with us for some time and it is possible that there may be further resurgences. 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 on 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 21 people were killed this week in 16 crashes, 11 of them pedestrians. Whether we are driving, cycling or walking, we must all abide by all road safety rules to stay safe and to 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 six arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for fraudulent documentation, six for speeding, two for reckless and negligent driving, two for bribery, two for possession of stolen goods, two for transporting liquor, and one for illegal possession of protected plants.

Speeding dramatically increases the risk of a crash. It also increases the likelihood of death or injury because the impact is greater. The faster you travel, the longer it takes you to stop, especially if the road is slippery. Stick to the speed limit, and slow down if visibility is poor or if you see a pedestrian near the road.

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. Making our roads safer is everyone’s responsibility.