Over the last week, the Western Cape Department of Mobility has recorded 21 deaths on the province’s roads. Pedestrians were responsible for 14 of the recorded deaths, accounting for two-thirds of all traffic fatalities.
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Western Cape MEC for Mobility Ricardo Mackenzie expressed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished those injured in crashes a speedy recovery.
‘I urge motorists to show consideration for pedestrians, who are highly vulnerable road users. I also caution pedestrians to cross any roads at formal crossings for their own safety,’ Mackenzie said.
‘Child pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users. My plea to drivers is to watch out for children and slow down when you see them. Due to their size, children are more likely to be hit by a vehicle in the head and chest, causing more serious and potentially fatal injuries.’
Wear visible clothing instead of dark colours when walking near a road, especially at night.
Pedestrians are also advised not to walk along any road while intoxicated.
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As many people return home as work and schools resume, Mackenzie has urged drivers to arrive alive, check their vehicle’s roadworthiness, buckle up, do not speed, do not drink and drive and take breaks every 200 kilometres or when they feel tired.
‘Our Provincial Traffic Officers continue their high visibility enforcement along all major routes in the Western Cape. Their weekly operational results demonstrate the consequences for those who ignore the rules of the road and put everyone at risk with reckless behaviour,’ Mackenzie said.
Between January 2 and January 7, traffic officers in the Western Cape conducted 250 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control operations, stopping and inspecting 39 469 vehicles.
A total of 12 714 fines were issued for various violations, 45 vehicles were impounded, and 132 vehicles were deemed unroadworthy.
Traffic officers also recorded 356 speeding violations, including one driver who was caught driving at 165kph in a 120kph zone.
Sixty-eight suspects were arrested, including 34 motorists for driving while intoxicated, 19 for possession of fraudulent documentation, and seven for reckless and negligent driving.
Nineteen of the 21 fatalities were crashes involving five drivers, two passengers, and 14 pedestrians.
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Picture: Aleksandr Popov/Unsplash