21 road fatalities in the WC over the weekend
A total of 21 people died in the Western Cape over the weekend, the provincial department of transport and public works said in a statement on Monday.
Department spokesperson Byron la Hoe said six drivers, ten pedestrians, four passengers and one motorcyclist died.
He said a driver was due to appear in court soon and faces a heavy fine after he was caught driving at 198km/h in a 120km/h zone on the N1 highway in the Brackenfell service area.
“Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services stopped a total of 2,243 vehicles in 26 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. Alcohol breath-testing was performed on 1,385 drivers and 40 were arrested. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Oudtshoorn. At 1,33 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of blood, this is six times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.”
La Hoe said a total of 10,715 vehicles were screened for speeding and 948 speeding offences were recorded.
A total of 245 fines, amounting to R327,000 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness violations to vehicle fitness infringements of the law.
“Six other arrests were also reported – two for reckless and negligent driving in Worcester; two in connection with false documentation in Swellendam and Laingsburg; one in connection with impoundment in Knysna; and one for allegedly trying to bribe a traffic officer in Somerset West. Suspects are expected to appear in court soon on these charges.”
La Hoe said traffic authorities were clamping down as the festive season approached and were taking a “zero tolerance approach”