A preliminary
report by the Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services indicates that 19 road
users died over the Christmas weekend. According to a statement released by the
provincial transport department on Wednesday, among these was the horrific
crash near De Doorns, which claimed the lives of 13 people who were apparently
on their way to visit loved ones over Christmas. Two child pedestrians, the
first only one year old and the other five, tragically lost their lives after
being hit by cars on the West Coast.
Provincial traffic officers arrested 16 motorists for
allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol on 23 and 24 December. Of
these arrests, two were arrested in Brackenfell, seven in the Mossel Bay
service area, three in George, two in Worcester, one in Beaufort West and one
in Swellendam.
Breath testing was performed on 1 365 drivers at
20 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol
reading recorded — at 1.24 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath — is
over five times over the legal limit.
Three other people were arrested: one for false
documentation in Brackenfell, and two for excessive speed (175 km/h in a 120
km/h zone and 164 km/h in a 120 km/ zone) in Laingsburg and Beaufort West
respectively.
Department spokesperson, Byron La Hoe, says a total of
3 391 vehicles were screened for speeding and 356 speeding offences were
recorded. Fines totaling R340 750 were issued for a variety of reasons,
ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.
“We play our part by conducting ongoing road safety
awareness and education initiatives, traffic law enforcement operations such as
roadblocks with key road safety agencies and en route inspections, as well as
road traffic engineering to ensure that signs are visible, camera equipment is
functional, and roads are of a high quality.
“What is generally a time filled with happiness
and celebration has now become a time of danger for road users. We urge drivers
to be extra careful. All road users are responsible for road safety. Good
driving and pedestrian habits are essential. We can help to prevent the
unnecessary loss of lives on our roads if we all work together and show
consideration and respect for our fellow road users. Our condolences go out to
the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” La hoe
says.
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