The Western Cape Department of Mobility has confirmed that 108 people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol between December 18 and December 26.
Also read: JP Smith gives stern warning to visitors this festive season
Ricardo Mackenzie, the provincial MEC for Mobility, stated that 37 people have died on Western Cape roads.
‘Tragically, over the past week and long weekend, 17 pedestrians and 14 passengers lost their lives in traffic crashes.
‘If you are a pedestrian, make sure you wear visible clothing, especially at night and when visibility is poor. Don’t walk under the influence along any road. Please find a safer way to get home. If you are driving, always buckle up and ensure that everyone else in your vehicle is buckled up, even on short trips,’ Mackenzie said.
He also urged parents to use age-appropriate harnesses to secure their children.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these amazing offers inspire you. Get them here.
‘In a crash, a child who is not secured in an age-appropriate harness is more likely to be ejected from the vehicle and die or be seriously injured
‘A serious injury can be life-changing – it may leave a child with a temporary or permanent disability. An unsecured child can also become a danger to other people inside the vehicle in a crash,’ Mackenzie said.
Provincial Traffic Inspectors conducted 320 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations over the last week, stopping and inspecting 45,302 vehicles across the province.
A total of 14,993 fines were issued for various traffic violations, 31 vehicles were impounded, and 234 were deemed unroadworthy and were withdrawn from service.
Officials also recorded 374 speeding violations, with the highest speed of 184km/h in a 120km/h zone.
A total of 172 people were arrested, with 20 charged with fraudulent documentation and 17 charged with reckless and negligent driving.
31 crashes occurred in the last week, killing four drivers, 14 passengers, 17 pedestrians, and two motorcyclists.
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Also read:
Western Cape arrests for drunk driving quadrupled in the last week
Picture: Samuele Errico Piccarini / Unsplash
