Cape Town – A total of 181 people have been arrested for drunk driving in the Western Cape since the holiday season began, according to the transport and public works department, which issued breakdown of arrests on Thursday.
In Somerset West, 23 people were nabbed for driving under the influence while 22 were busted in Mossel Bay and 21 in George.
Department spokesman Byron la Hoe said authorities were calling on motorists to be responsible while travelling on the roads this weekend.
“The most DUI arrests were recorded in the Caledon service area (26), followed by Somerset West (23), Mossel Bay (22) and George (21). This despite repeated warnings by traffic authorities that alcohol and roads don’t mix,” he said.
The department urged drivers to stay sober, or appoint a designated driver when planning to drink.
'If you’re drinking, don’t drive or walk'
“Pedestrians, who are often extremely drunk and walking on freeways and busy roads on weekend nights, are also reminded to heed this call,” added La Hoe. He said officials would not hesitate to stop and check motorists who they suspected were under the influence of alcohol.
“Drivers under the influence put their own lives and those of their passengers in danger, as well as the lives of other road users” he added.