30 killed in Western Cape road crashes during peak festive travel week

Thirty people lost their lives in road crashes across the Western Cape during the peak festive travel period between Monday, December 15 and Sunday, December 21, according to the provincial Mobility Department’s latest road safety review.

The department recorded 28 crashes during the seven-day period, with pedestrians accounting for 11 of the fatalities.

Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement officers made 98 arrests, including 56 for driving under the influence of alcohol and 12 for possession of fraudulent documentation. A further 154 speeding offences were recorded, with the highest speed clocked at 161km/h in a 120km/h zone.

In an effort to curb dangerous driving behaviour, Provincial Traffic Services conducted 196 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control operations across the province.

During these operations, more than 30 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, and just over 10 000 fines were issued for various offences, including driver and vehicle fitness violations, the department stated.

The operations form part of an  festive season road safety plan implemented in partnership with police, emergency medical services and other law enforcement agencies. 

MEC for Mobility in the Western Cape Isaac Sileku described the figures as a "sobering" reminder of the responsibility carried by all road users.

“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. Driving under the influence, excessive speeding, and unsafe pedestrian behaviour are preventable causes of tragedy," he said. 

Chief director of traffic management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, said traffic officers would remain deployed across the province throughout the festive period.

“Our provincial traffic officers, together with local traffic and emergency partners, remain deployed across the Western Cape, day and night. 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.”

As the festive season continues, the department has urged residents and visitors to plan their trips, allow extra travel time, obey traffic laws and remain alert on the roads.