WC’s Mobility Department raises concerns over drunk drivers

The Western Cape’s Mobility Department has raised concerns over the number of motorists being arrested for driving under the influence ofalcohol.

In the past week, 82 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence and thirteen pedestrians were killed in crashes on the province’s roads.

The Safely Home theme for December is ‘’Alcohol and Roads Don’t Mix.’’

Acting Mobility MEC, Dr. Ivan Meyer, said while any fatality is of great concern, the festive season has started without any major incidents on the province’s roads and

“We are cautiously optimistic that this trend will continue.While I am grateful to our provincial traffic officers for arresting a number of drunk drivers, that very number is concerning,” said Dr Ivan Meyer, acting Provincial Minister of Mobility. “It is unacceptable that a small number of irresponsible drivers are compromising road safety for all road users,” he added.

Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services also issued 14 308 fines for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. Forty-two vehicles were impounded and 222 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.

A total of 186 speeding offences were recorded.

A total of 130 arrests were made between 12 to 18 December 2022

·        82 x driving under the influence of alcohol.

·        22 x possession of fraudulent documentation.

·        16 x reckless and negligent driving

·        4 x bribery

·         1 x threatening/ suggesting use of violence/injuries/damage to property of peace officer's relatives or himself/ herself/ their property.

·        1 x failure to furnish information.

·        1 x unroadworthy vehicle.

·        1 x possession of and illegal substance.

·        1 x failing to stop after an accident.

·        1 x obstructing or hindering an authorised officer in the execution of his/ her duty.

Furthermore, a total of 21 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 22 fatalities were recorded, with the bulk of these (13) being pedestrians.

“I urge all motorists to adhere to the speed limit, ensure that all vehicle occupants are wearing their safety belts, take regular rest stops every 200km or 2 hours, and slow down when there are pedestrians at the side of the road. Keep yourself and others safe,” said Meyer.

 

Done By: Mitchum George