“I am pleased to announce a 30,5% reduction in traffic [deaths] across the Western Cape over the April long weekend compared to the same period in 2022, with a massive 44,5% reduction on provincial routes and an 11,1% reduction on municipal routes.”
This was proudly proclaimed by Western Cape Mobility Minister Ricardo Mackenzie after the roll-out of road-safety traffic operations across the province.
He said while this reflected positively on the Western Cape’s collective road safety efforts, the 26 lives that were lost on local roads (compared to 36 last year) still bring significant heartache to the families left behind.
“We must all continue to take personal responsibility for the actions that either prevent or cause the tragic crashes that lead to these traffic fatalities.
Thank you to the many law-abiding road users who helped to reduce fatalities this year by sticking to the law and avoiding risky behaviour.”
He said recognition must also be given to the law-enforcement staff who worked tirelessly over the long weekend to keep the roads safe.
Integrated operations brought the work of the Western Cape Traffic Law Enforcement and their counterparts together in the Eastern and Northern Cape, the South African Police Service, municipal traffic services, the Provincial Regulatory Entity, Safely Home, Land Transport Safety Management, Emergency Medical Services, South African National Roads Agency, South African Optometrist Society and Forensic Pathology Services.
This followed 24 education and awareness initiatives undertaken by the Road Safety Management team that engaged with motorists and passengers as well as freight and public transport operators.
The Safely Home online campaign supporting operational efforts has reached more than 2 million social media users.
“Nevertheless, an alarming 79 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
“A total of nine motorists were arrested for speeding and 373 speeding offences were recorded. These reckless actions can make the difference between life and death.”
Results of Provincial Traffic operations (6 to 10 April 2023):
Provincial Traffic Services implemented:. 237 integrated roadblocks, vehicle check points and speed control operations.. 36 803 vehicles were stopped and checked. . A total of 11 078 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. . 48 vehicles were impounded and;. 149 were discontinued for unroadworthiness.. Arrests reached a total of 127 for various offences. . A total of 25 crashes occurred in the reporting period, during which 26 deaths were recorded.
This means that, despite the considerable decrease in the year’s total deaths by 10 from 2022’s 36 death toll, the number of crashes increased from 20 in 2022 to a total of 25 for 2023.
