A total of 123 people lost their lives in accidents on provincial roads in the 2021-’22 festive season. Of these 41 were pedestrians.
These fatalities were recorded on Western Cape roads between 13 December and 2 January.
During this period provincial traffic services were out on the roads in full force where more than 300 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations were implemented across the province, says Daylin Mitchell, minister of transport and public works in the Western Cape.
Approximately 100 000 cars were stopped and checked, according to media statements issued throughout the course of the festive season.
Altogether 1 031 speeding offences were recorded and 24 750 fines issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness to the total amount of R27,7 million.
In total 124 vehicles were impounded and 334 discontinued for unroadworthiness.
Some 98 drivers were arrested for drunk driving.
“When looking at the number of vehicles on our roads, it is clear that the vast majority of road users are responsible and law-abiding, but unfortunately there are those who gamble with their own and other road users’ lives. These are the ones who have to understand that the public road network is not a place in which to act irresponsibly and endanger the lives of fellow users,” Mitchell said in a statement to the media last week.
He thanked law abiding road users.
“You are by far the majority. We will continue to clamp down on those in the wrong. I want to thank every one of our traffic law enforcement officers who are sacrificing time with their families to live their calling to make our roads safer and serve the people of the province. You are making a difference.”
Mitchell expressed his concern over the high number of drunk drivers caught.
“Driving when you have been drinking is dangerous, regardless of how much, or how little, you drink. Alcohol slows down your ability to respond in an emergency. You are likely to drive faster than you usually do, and less carefully. An error of judgement might mean killing or injuring someone on the road, in another vehicle, or in your own vehicle. The mistake you make in a moment could lead to a lifetime of regret. The consequences of irresponsible driving behaviour may be with you for the rest of your life. If you have a criminal record for driving under the influence, you may lose a job and struggle to get another one. If you are injured, it could affect your ability to make a living and support your dependants. If you kill or injure another breadwinner, that person’s dependants could suffer life-long consequences.”
Spokesperson for the minister Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka advised TygerBurger that comparative figures to last year’s statistics will be released later this month.
