The Western Cape recorded 30 fatalities from 28 road crashes between 15 and 21 December, the first week of peak festive travel, with pedestrian deaths accounting for more than a third of the toll.
Eleven pedestrians were among those killed during the seven-day period, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety during the festive season when road networks experience heightened pressure.
Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement made 98 arrests, with 56 motorists detained for driving under the influence of alcohol and 12 for possession of fraudulent documentation.
Traffic officers also recorded 154 speeding offences, including one driver clocked at 161km/h in a 120km/h zone.
Intensive enforcement operations
To combat dangerous driving behaviour, Provincial Traffic Services implemented 196 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations across the province.
These operations resulted in more than 30 000 vehicles being stopped and checked, with just over 10 000 fines issued for various offences, including driver and vehicle fitness violations.
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The enforcement forms part of an intensified, coordinated festive season safety plan delivered in collaboration with local traffic authorities, the police, emergency medical services and other law enforcement partners.
Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku described the figures as “a sobering reminder of the responsibility every road user carries.”
“While we are encouraged by the strong enforcement footprint and the dedication shown by our traffic officers, the loss of life on our roads is deeply concerning,” Sileku said. “Driving under the influence, excessive speeding and unsafe pedestrian behaviour are preventable causes of tragedy. We appeal to every motorist and pedestrian to make responsible choices so that families are not robbed of loved ones during this festive season.”
Chief director of traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout emphasised that enforcement would continue throughout the festive period.
“Our provincial traffic officers, together with local traffic and emergency partners, remain deployed across the Western Cape, day and night,” Bezuidenhout said.
“Enforcement is firm, but our ultimate goal is not fines or arrests, it is saving lives. We urge motorists to slow down, remain sober behind the wheel, and be mindful of pedestrians, especially in busy urban and rural areas.”
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The Mobility Department has called on residents and visitors to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, obey traffic laws and look out for one another as the festive season continues.
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