404 speeding offences recorded in Western Cape from 11 – 17 July 2022

During the week of July 11–17, 2022, 404 speeding violations were reported in the Western Cape. This is almost twice as many speeding violations as were reported in the province last week.

I want to issue a strong warning to all motorists who violate the speed limit and other traffic regulations. I wish to remind drivers and any other road user to obey the posted speed limit.

Speeding is a major problem. The less time you have to react to an emergency and the farther you must stop to avoid a collision, the quicker you drive. Speeding is reckless and harmful.

Be considerate of pedestrians if you are a driver. Almost always, pedestrians are killed in crashes with moving automobiles going more than 60 km/h. You will have more time to dodge pedestrians in the road if you slow down. If you crash with a pedestrian while moving more slowly, the pedestrian has a better chance of surviving. Similarly, it is advised for pedestrians to only cross formal road crossings.

I implore everyone to contribute to enhancing road safety for drivers, passengers, bikers, and pedestrians. I urge both drivers and pedestrians to use caution on the road, particularly at night and in the early hours of the morning.

In the week under review, Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services conducted 175 integrated roadblock, vehicle checkpoint, and speed control operations around the province, stopping and inspecting 30 452 vehicles.

For a variety of traffic infractions, from driver to vehicle fitness, 7 987 fines were imposed. 23 vehicles were seized, while 39 were removed from the road due to roadworthiness issues.

The highest speeds recorded this week were as follows:
167 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
161 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
124 km/h in a 80 km/h zone
94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone

National Road Traffic Act and Criminal Procedure Act
A total of 59 arrests were made for the following offences:
41 x driving under the influence of alcohol.
5 x speeding.
2 x reckless and negligent driving.
3 x goods overloading.
3 x possession of fraudulent documentation.
2 x failing to furnish information.
1 x bribery.
1 x driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
1 x operating an unroadworthy motor vehicle.

Fatalities recorded between 11 to 17 July 2022
A total of 29 crashes occurred in the reporting period, and 30 fatalities were recorded:
9 x drivers.
1 x fell off vehicle.
1 x cyclist.
1 x motorcyclist.
4 x passengers.
14 x pedestrians.

Never go fast. When there is little visibility and the roads are wet, speeding is particularly dangerous. Drivers who drive too fast endanger both their passengers’ and others’ lives. It is best to move cautiously and slowly. You won’t be able to respond to situations quickly otherwise.