“Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 280 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 11 to 18 April 2022, which included the Easter long weekend, and 43 345 vehicles were stopped and checked”, said Provincial Minister of Transport and Public Works Daylin Mitchell.
Road Safety Management, which is responsible for education and awareness and positively influencing road user behavior, attended specific operations over the Easter 2022 period and engaged 572 drivers and passengers on road safety awareness. The monitoring and evaluation component of Traffic Management was present at identified operations to evaluate the effectiveness of these operations.
The entire Traffic Management team works towards one common goal, making our roads safer. Whether it is the traffic training and development team that ensures officers are equipped to fulfil their vital role, road safety education team who raises awareness and educates road users, or traffic law enforcement who enforce the rules of the road, all make an invaluable contribution to road safety.
A total of 476 speeding offences were recorded and 13 386 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R13 248 900.
While this figure is commendable, it remains worrying that so many people make themselves guilty of breaking the rules of the road. We can only win the battle to make roads safer if each road user takes personal responsibility to abide by the rules.
Forty-three vehicles were impounded and 129 were discontinued for unroadworthiness. This again proves that the vast majority of road users ensure that their vehicles are road worthy and for that I am grateful. Having your vehicle roadworthy is already a stride in the right direction.
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:
- 165 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
- 148 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- 114 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
- 104 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
A total of 99 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 63 x driving under the influence of alcohol
- 3 x speeding
- 13 x reckless and negligent driving
- 11 x possession of fraudulent documentation
- 4 x inducing any 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 authorised officer
- 1 x threatening/ suggesting use of violence, injuries/damage to property of traffic officer’s relatives or him/ hersel
- 1 x possession of a stolen vehicle.
Almost two thirds of arrests were for drunk driving. This is unacceptable and we call on other roleplayers in the legal processes to ensure that these irresponsible road users face the full might of the law. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect your judgement as a driver or a pedestrian. Take personal responsibility and do not drive or cycle when you have been drinking. Make other arrangements to get home. If you are stopped by a 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.
A total of 9 crashes occurred in the reporting period 11 to 13 April 2022, and 9 fatalities were recorded:
- 1 x motorcyclist
- 1 x drivers
- 2 x passengers
- 5 x pedestrians
A total of 21 crashes occurred in the reporting period for easter long weekend 14 to 18 April 2022, and 37 fatalities were recorded:
- 8 x drivers
- 19 x passengers
- 10 x pedestrians
I wish to thank emergency medical services and our health department who responded to a total of 143 trauma cases as a result of motor vehicle accidents/crashes and 115 pedestrian incidents.
My condolences to each person who lost a loved one on our roads this past week. I wish all those who were injured a speedy recovery.
My commitment to you is that we will continue to do everything in our power to make roads safer, but we need your help by abiding by the rules of the road. Over the past couple of weeks, I have made seatbelts one of my focuses. I will now shift my focus to addressing the high number of pedestrian fatalities.
Again, my sincere gratitude to every member of the extended traffic management and emergency services who were working hard to make roads safer and who responded to incidents. Your hard work and dedication is commendable,” Mitchell added.
Statement from Provincial Traffic Services: #BeTheChange you want to see on our roads in April
“Our traffic law enforcement officers enforce the law 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but road safety is everyone’s responsibility. #BeTheChange you want to see on our roads”, said Vigie Chetty, Director: Traffic Law Enforcement. “Whether we use the road as drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians, every one of us should take personal responsibility for our behaviour as road users. Please be considerate and careful. Look after your own safety, and the safety of every other person on the road,” she added.
Take personal responsibility for your own safety when you walk near a road. Don’t drink and walk. Don’t wear headphones or earphones when you cross a road. Only cross roads where it is safe to do so. Wear visible clothing, especially at night. Motorists can only avoid you if they can see you.
Driving tired is as dangerous as driving drunk. If you are tired, pull over and rest. On a long journey, plan to take rest breaks in safe places every 200 km or two hours. Take personal responsibility for your own safety and for the safety of others by never driving when you are tired. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted when you are driving or walking. No phone call or message is so important that it is worth risking your life, or the lives of others.
If you drive a public transport vehicle, be extra careful. Take personal responsibility for ensuring the safety of your passengers. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that your operating licence is in order. Ensure that you and all occupants are wearing a mask over their noses and mouths, and sanitising regularly.
DTPW uses electronic systems to monitor public transport vehicles, drivers, and trips. The details of operating licences are available to traffic officers in real time. Tired drivers will be pulled off and made to rest before they resume their onward journeys.
Seatbelts save lives. Every driver and passenger must wear a seatbelt at all times, even on the shortest trip. Children under the age of three must be in an age-appropriate child seat. Set an example and fasten your seatbelt every time you drive.
Never speed. Speeding drivers risk the lives of the people in their vehicles, and the lives of others. It is best to travel slowly and carefully. It’s the only way that you will be able to react to emergencies in time. If a vehicle travelling at only 60 km/h crashes, a 55 kg person without a seatbelt will experience an impact of over 19 000 kg! With a seatbelt, the force will be about 3 800 kg.
It’s up to you to make the difference. #BeTheChange you want to see on our roads.
We are doing what we can to make our roads safer for you, but we cannot do it alone, we need every road user’s support by doing their part by simply obeying the rules of the road. My sincere thanks to every road user who does so and uses our roads responsibly. I further wish to thank every law enforcement officer and emergency services staff member who are selflessly contributing to making roads safer and helping people reach their destinations safely.
Media enquiries
Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za