Provincial Traffic Services’ traffic operations - 31 January to 6 February 2022

Media Release by Daylin Mitchell, Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 292 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 31 January to 6 February 2022, 35 219 vehicles were stopped and checked.

A total of 306 speeding offences were recorded and 7 043 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R7 139 100.

Thirty-four vehicles were impounded and 94 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

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:

• 178 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
• 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
• 109 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
• 105 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

National Road Traffic Act, Criminal Procedure Act, and Disaster Management Act regulations

A total of 62 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 39 x driving under the influence of alcohol
• 3 x speeding
• 3 x reckless and negligent driving
• 11 x possession of fraudulent documentation
• 1 x possession of an illegal substance (dagga)
• 2 x failing to furnish information
• 3 x bribery

Fatalities recorded between 31 January to 06 February 2022

A total of 27 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 34 fatalities were recorded:

• 9 x drivers
• 1 x motorcyclist
• 10 x passengers
• 14 x pedestrians

Look out for vulnerable road users

Certain road users are more vulnerable than others. Children, people with disabilities and older 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 be hit in their heads and chests. Slow down when you see children near a road. They may be prone to impulsive behaviour like running into the road after a ball or a pet without looking. Young children may not be good at judging the speed of an oncoming vehicle, so they may cross a road when it is not safe.

The bodies of older people are more fragile, so they are also 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 vehicle. They do not have the same hard surfaces and structure around them for protection in a crash. Their bodies are directly exposed to the force of the collision, as well as the force of secondary impacts, e.g., being knocked off their bikes to the ground. Look out for people on two-wheeled vehicles, 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 difficult than it is for most of us. When you drive, be patient and understanding. Remember that wheelchair users are closer to the ground than for most people, they are less mobile than able-bodied people.

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

Media Queries:
Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Daylin Mitchell
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za