The lives of 10 people have been lost in an road crash along the N7 highway, between Vanrhynsdorp and Klawer, on Sunday, 17 March.
The Western Cape Mobility Department says the accident was a head-on collision between a bakkie and a truck, but what led to the accident is yet to be determined. Seven adults and three children were killed.
Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, says this is the fourth “high-fatality” incident recorded on provincial roads this month, and is a concerning ahead of the Easter period.
“It is a devastating reminder of the importance of road safety for everyone using our roads. Our Provincial Traffic officers will be out in full force during the upcoming school holiday and Easter period, enforcing the law to ensure the safety of all road users.”
Earlier this month, 13 people were killed when a bus collided with a truck along the Hexrivier Pass, six people died in a multi-vehicle crash on the R43 near Villierdsorp and the lives of five people were claimed in an accident on the N1 between Prince Albert and Laingsburg. All of these accidents took place in the second weekend of March.
READ MORE: Deadly weekend on the province’s roads
Statistics for 11 to 17 March 2024
The Mobility Department recorded 18 fatalities and 18 crashes on provincial roads in the past week. Majority of the fatalities were pedestrians.
Meanwhile, most of the arrests made during this time period was for drunk driving. Forty-seven people were apprehended for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The department also issued 245 speeding fines.
Fine-free ahead of Easter weekend
The City of Cape Town is running a “latest traffic fine roadshow” from 25 March 2024 until 27 March 2024 – to give motorists the opportunity to clear outstanding warrants or fines. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says this is a good opportunity to minimise the risk of “a run-in at a roadblock”.
“It’s a good faith gesture as we head into the busy Easter weekend, and a reminder that there will be increased roadblocks and operations to trace scofflaws. So do the right thing and settle any overdue fines or warrants, either by visiting the roadshow or using the existing channels available.”
