Three drivers and two pedestrians lost their lives over the weekend of 15 and 16 July 2017, according to a preliminary report from Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services.
A total of 17 motorists were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol over the weekend.
Six motorists were arrested in the Swellendam service area, four in Caledon, two in Knysna, two in George, one in Brackenfell, one in Vredendal and one in Worcester.
In addition, traffic officers made six arrests. Two drunken pedestrians in Vredendal, two drunken pedestrians in Oudtshoorn and two drivers for false documentation in Worcester.
Breath testing was performed on 1 673 drivers at 24 alcohol blitz roadblocks across the province. The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in the George service area. At 1,96 mg of alcohol/ 1 000 ml of breath, this is over eight times the legal limit of 0,24 mg/ 1 000 ml.
A total of 85 speeding offences were recorded and 178 fines in the amount of R223 950 were issued for a variety of reasons, ranging from driver offences to vehicle fitness violations.
The highest speeds recorded were: 157 km/h in a 120 km/h zone in the Beaufort West service area; and 144 km/h in a 100 km/h zone in the Swellendam service area.
Drivers under the influence put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of other road users. If you’re drinking, don’t drive or walk. Help us create booze-free roads. If you have friends or family who still drive under the influence, speak to them before they get into trouble with the law.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
