Practice caution on the roads, appeals Provincial Mobility Dept.

With the festive season drawing to a close, road users are urged to exercise extreme caution as many people make their way home from holiday destinations. Traffic volumes are expected to increase over the next few days, raising the risk of accidents.

Authorities warn that even a moment of inattention can lead to tragedy.

In the past week, 25 people lost their lives on Western Cape roads. The Western Cape Mobility department said of these, 12 were pedestrians. Between 29 December 2025 and 4 January 2026, Provincial Traffic Services made 88 arrests, of which 65 were for driving under the influence of alcohol. More than 350 speeding offences were recorded, with the highest speed clocked at 171 km/h in a 120 km/h zone. Durinfg thr same period, over 9 000 fines were issued for various traffic violations, including driver and vehicle fitness offences.

COURTESY: WC Mobilty Dept.

MEC, Isaac Sileku, said while enforcement remains critical, behaviour change is key to preventing further loss of life.

‘’Every fatality on our roads is one too many. While our enforcement teams continue to work tirelessly across the province, road safety ultimately depends on the choices each road user makes. Speeding, drinking and driving, and disregarding the rules place lives at risk, not only your own, but those of innocent road users. We remain hopeful that with patience, vigilance and mutual respect, we can still prevent further tragedies on Western Cape roads.’’

Chief Director: Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout reiterated the importance of protecting vulnerable road users.

“Pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists remain among the most vulnerable on our roads. We urge pedestrians to remain visible, cross at safe points and stay alert at all times. Motorcyclists and pedal cyclists are encouraged to wear protective gear, remain visible, and ride defensively, especially in high-traffic conditions. Our teams will maintain a strong presence across the province, but safer roads require cooperation from every road user.’’

 

Done by: Mitchum George