Mobility Minister thanks road users following 30.5% reduction in fatalities over Easter

Statement by Ricardo Mackenzie, Western Cape Minister of Mobility

I am pleased to announce a 30.5% reduction in traffic fatalities across the Western Cape over the April long weekend compared to the same period in 2022, with a massive 44.5% reduction on provincial routes and an 11.1% reduction on municipal routes.

While this reflects positively on our collective road safety efforts, the 26 lives lost on our roads (compared to 36 last year) bring significant heartache for the families left behind. We must all continue to take personal responsibility for the actions that either prevent or cause the tragic crashes that lead to these traffic fatalities.

Thank you to the many law-abiding road users who helped to reduce fatalities this year by sticking to the law and avoiding risky behaviour.

We must also honour the law enforcement staff who worked tirelessly over the long weekend to keep our roads safe, as they do 365 days of the year with high-visibility traffic law enforcement.

Integrated operations brought together the work of our Western Cape Traffic Law Enforcement and their counterparts in the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape, the South African Police Service, municipal traffic services, the Provincial Regulatory Entity, Safely Home, Land Transport Safety Management, Emergency Medical Services, the South African National Roads Agency, the South African Optometrist Society and Forensic Pathology Services.

In addition, Road Safety Management team conducted 24 education and awareness initiatives, engaging motorists and passengers, and freight and public transport operators. The Safely Home online campaign supporting operational efforts reached over 2 million social media users.

Nevertheless, an alarming 79 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. A total of nine motorists were arrested for speeding and 373 speeding offences were recorded. These reckless actions can make the difference between life and death.

Results of Provincial Traffic Services operations – 6 to 10 April 2023 (long weekend)

Provincial Traffic Services implemented 237 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations, and 36 803 vehicles were stopped and checked. A total of 11 078 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Forty-eight vehicles were impounded and 149 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

Arrests

A total of 127 arrests were made for the following offences:

• 79 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
• 9 x speeding.
• 8 x reckless and negligent driving.
• 1 x goods overloading.
• 20 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
• 4 x inducing an authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/ her duty.
• 2 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/her duty.
• 1 x failing to comply with a lawful order from an authorized officer.
• 1 x failing to furnish information.
• 1 x driver failing to stop when involved in an accident.
• 1 x resisting arrest.

Fatalities

A total of 25 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 26 fatalities were recorded:

• 5 x drivers.
• 2 x motorcyclists.
• 3 x passengers.
• 16 x pedestrians.

Media queries:

Rebecca Campbell

Spokesperson for Minister Ricardo Mackenzie

076 783 2583

Rebecca.Campbell@westerncape.gov.za