Results of Provincial Traffic Services traffic operations: 24 to 30 October 2022
Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 344 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check point and speed control operations across the province in the week of 24 to 30 October 2022. During this period 31 259 vehicles were also stopped and checked, and a total of 9 344 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.
A total of 300 speeding offences were recorded. Speeding is a serious safety and traffic 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 for the driver and other roadusers.
The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:
- 172 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
- 157 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- 119 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
- 99 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
Thirty-eight vehicles were impounded and 93 were discontinued due to unroadworthiness.
National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act
A total of 113 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 90 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
- 2 x speeding.
- 2 x reckless and negligent driving.
- 2 x goods overloading.
- 8 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
- 1 x failing to comply with a lawful order from an authorised officer.
- 1 x possession of illegal substance.
- 1 x failing to furnish information.
- 2 x resisting arrest.
- 1 x riotous behaviour
- 1 x tampering with another person’s vehicle.
- 1 x inducing an authorised officer or peace officer to act in conflict with his/her duty.
- 1 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/her duty.
Fatalities recorded between 24 to 30 October 2022
A total of 27 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 33 fatalities were recorded:
- 7 x drivers.
- 1 x motorcyclists.
- 9 x passengers.
- 16 x pedestrians.
Buckle up children and watch out for child pedestrians
Always buckle up children, even on the shortest trip. Slow down wherever there are child pedestrians, they are more vulnerable than you might think.
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. In a crash, a child who is not secured in an age-appropriate harness becomes a projectile inside the vehicle that can crash into hard surfaces and into other people inside the vehicle, possibly leading to serious injuries and death. In a crash, a child who is not secured in an age-appropriate harness is more likely to be ejected from the vehicle and die or be seriously injured. A serious injury can be life-changing – it may leave a child with a temporary or permanent disability.
A child car seat must be securely fastened so that it does not move around. If you are using a front-facing child seat, the harness slots must be at or above the child’s shoulders. If you are using a rear-facing child seat, use harness slots positioned at or below the child’s shoulders. The correct position for the chest clip is at armpit level. Make sure there is no slack when you pinch the strap at the child’s shoulders. The lap belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest, not the neck or face.
Children will follow the example set by their parents, teachers and other adults. Set a good example for children to follow. Model good road safety behaviour for them to follow, such as always buckling up, only crossing the road in safe places, never speeding, and never drinking and driving.
If you drive a public transport vehicle, be extra careful throughout your journey. Watch out for children. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and that your operating licence is in order.
#SaveKidsLives #BuckleUp #SeatbeltsSaveLives.
Media Enquiries
Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za