34 people lost their lives on the roads in the Western Cape this past week.
This is based on the Provincial Mobility Department’s stats between 22 and 28 December. 14 of these fatalities were pedestrians.
The department noted, in addition, that seven cyclists and nine motorcyclists have lost their lives during the festive season so far, “highlighting the extreme vulnerability of two-wheel road users”.
Other statistics include that 27 crashes occurred over this period. 103 arrests made by Provincial Traffic Services, with 73 motorists arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and an additional 15 arrests were linked to possession of fraudulent documentation. At the same time, the department recorded 301 speeding offences, with the highest speed measured at 167km/h in a 120km/h zone.
“To curb risky behaviour, 199 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations were conducted across the Western Cape. During these operations, over 32 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, and more than 7 900 fines were issued for various traffic violations, ranging from driver fitness to vehicle unroadworthiness,” read the department’s statement.
Meanwhile, Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said the grim statistics underline ongoing concerns around reckless driving and alcohol abuse during peak holiday travel.
“The loss of 34 lives in just one week is a harsh reminder that unsafe behaviour on our roads has devastating consequences. Far too many of these incidents, particularly those involving alcohol and vulnerable road users, are entirely preventable,” said Sileku.
While there is concern that law enforcement alone is not enough to curb fatalities on provincial roads, Chief Director of Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, added that traffic officers would remain visible “with ongoing roadblocks, speed enforcement and vehicle checks taking place around the clock”.
These provincial figures come amid another tragic incident in the Southern Cape.
Southern Cape SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Christopher Spies, confirmed that police are investigating a fatal crash on the R341 outside Uniondale on Sunday afternoon.
“Uniondale police opened a culpable homicide docket in connection with the death of two victims, 16-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy,” said Spies.
Spies said preliminary information suggests that a Toyota Fortuner with eight occupants overturned.
“Two of the occupants, children, who sustained multiple injuries were declared dead by medical personnel on arrival… One person, believed to be the driver, was airlifted to a hospital in George,” he said, adding that the cause of the accident is still under investigation.
As the festive season continues, Sileku reiterated that road safety comes down to individual choices and appealed to road users to make responsible ones.
“I urge every road user to make responsible choices, to look out for one another, be patient and vigilant on our roads, and help us ensure that everyone arrives safely at their destination.”
