Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services implemented a total of 67 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations across the province in the week of 7 to 13 December 2020, and 19 702 vehicles were stopped and checked.
A total of 201 speeding offences were recorded and 4 636 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness in the total amount of R4 514 100.
Eleven vehicles were impounded and 79 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.
The highest speeds recorded were as follows:
- 154 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
- 139 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- 119 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
- 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
Disaster Management Act
A total of 18 charges were laid under the Disaster Management Act and fines to the total value of R54 000 were issued.
National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act
A total of 31 arrests were made for the following offences:
- 14 x driving under the influence of alcohol
- 4 x fraudulent documentation
- 4 x reckless and negligent driving
- 3 x speeding
- 4 x goods overloading
- 1 x possession of illegal substances (dagga and tik)
- 1 x attempted murder
Fatalities recorded between 7 and 13 December 2020
A total of 20 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 20 fatalities were recorded:
- 4 x driver
- 4 x passenger
- 11 x pedestrian
- 1 x motorcyclist
A road safety message from the Department of Transport and Public Works
There has been a steady increase of active cases of COVID-19 in the Western Cape and certain other provinces over the last few weeks. If you are planning to travel over the festive season, wear your mask over your nose and mouth at all times in any public transport vehicle, whether it is a minibus, a bus, a train, or an aircraft. Make sure the windows of any minibus, bus or train you travel in are open 5 cm on both sides of the vehicle. Use the free USSD code *134*234# to report on public transport compliance with safety measures. Sanitise or wash your hands regularly. When you arrive at your destination, avoid the three Cs – crowded places, close-contact settings, and confined spaces.
If you are planning a long road trip, have your lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers and tyres checked for faults. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave. Plan your trip so that you have a rest break every 200 km or every two hours. Do not drive in the emergency lane unless the road ahead is clear for 150 m. Never overtake on a blind rise or a solid line. Never drink and drive. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow down your response in an emergency. Keep your eyes on the road. Do not touch or look at cell phones and other electronic gadgets when you are driving.
Twenty people were killed this week in 20 crashes, 11 of them pedestrians. Whether we are driving, cycling or walking, we must all abide by all road safety precautions to stay safe and develop a strong safety culture. Be alert and prepared for anything. If you are a pedestrian, do not drink and walk, wear visible clothing, and remove headphones and earphones when you cross the road.
This week’s operational achievements include 14 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless and negligent driving, four for fraudulent documentation, three for speeding, four for goods overloading, one for attempted murder, and one for the illegal possession of drugs (dagga and tik).
Please maintain a safe following distance – a two-second gap from the vehicle ahead. Drive carefully, especially during rush hour and when visibility is poor. Harsh braking, accelerating into traffic and changing lanes improperly are all risky behaviours that increase the likelihood of a crash. Make sure you pull into traffic slowly. Be careful when you cross a traffic intersection, even if the light is green for you. Wear your seatbelt and ensure those travelling with you in the vehicle are buckled up.
Play your part in making our roads safe. Safer roads are everyone’s responsibility.
Media Enquiries:
Jandré Bakker
Head of Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Email: Jandre.Bakker@westerncape.gov.za