Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations from 19 to 25 September 2022
Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 215 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 19 to 25 September 2022, and 32 343 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 8 916 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.
A total of 343 speeding offences were recorded. Speeding is a serious concern. The faster you drive, the less time you have to respond to an emergency and the more space you need to stop to avoid a crash.
Speeding is irresponsible and dangerous. The highest speeds recorded this week 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 an 80 km/h zone
- 104 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
Thirty-nine vehicles were impounded and 70 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act
A total of 64 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 44 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
- 3 x speeding.
- 4 x reckless and negligent driving.
- 5 x goods overloading.
- 2 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
- 1 x inducing an authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/her duty.
- 2 x possession of illegal substance (dagga).
- 1 x possession of stolen vehicle.
- 1 x undocumented person.
- 1 x failing to furnish information.
Fatalities recorded between 19 to 25 September 2022
A total of 30 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 33 fatalities were recorded:
- 7 x drivers.
- 1 x motorcyclist.
- 10 x passengers.
- 15 x pedestrians.
Always buckle up
Drivers are responsible for ensuring that all passengers are buckled up. Adults are responsible for buckling up children. All small children must be secured in an age-appropriate harness. Seatbelts reduce the likelihood and severity of injury in a traffic collision by stopping vehicle occupants from hitting hard elements inside a vehicle. They also reduce the risk that an occupant will be thrown out of the vehicle in a crash. In a crash, a person who is not wearing a seatbelt becomes a projectile inside the vehicle, often killing other occupants, including those who are buckled up. Children who are not buckled up can be killed or seriously injured, even in low-speed collisions.
A seatbelt is a safety harness designed to protect the driver and passengers of a vehicle against high-impact movements that may result from a collision or sudden stop. A seatbelt is designed to stretch at a controlled rate to absorb crash energy and to slow down an occupant’s deceleration. Seatbelts should be worn in both the front and the back seats. Occupants should make sure that their seatbelts are worn across the chest (as close as possible, but still comfortable), across the hips (not across the stomach), and they must make sure they hear the click as the seatbelt closes securely.
The impact forces of crashes on people are massive, and they are much more serious for people not wearing seatbelts. If a vehicle travelling at only 60km/h is involved in a crash, the impact on a 55kg person wearing a seatbelt is like being hit with a weight of 3 800kg. Without a seatbelt, the impact force on the same person is 19 500kg – five times worse! If the same vehicle is travelling at 90km/h, the impact force on the same 55kg person will be over 8 700kg with a seatbelt, and 43 800kg without a seatbelt. (Source: https://www. omnicalculator.com/physics/carcrash-force).
Never drink and drive. Never drink and walk near a road. If you have been drinking, make other arrangements to get home. If you are stopped by a traffic law enforcement officer and the officer suspects that you are over the legal limit, you will be arrested. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, you will have a criminal record. Make sure that you can see other road users and that they can see you in the rain, mist and fog of winter. Keep a safe following distance when visibility is poor, especially when the road is wet. Take careful note of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
If you drive a public transport vehicle, be extra careful throughout your journey. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that your operating licence is in order.
If you drive a long-distance heavy motor vehicle, make it a regular habit to stop and rest. It is also important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the long road ahead by resting before trips, practising safe health protocols, eating well, hydrating yourself throughout the journey with water, and remaining vigilant about the risk of criminal activity.
Media enquiries
Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za