Cape Town - Eight days into the new year, the Western Cape’s roads have claimed the lives of 30 people, a number that provincial traffic chief Kenny Africa said on Sunday was unacceptable.
He said the biggest problem was with pedestrians, as they were involved in a large number of the accidents.
“Pedestrians and fatigue are the biggest problems on our roads. Drivers falling asleep at the wheel are a problem. They are tired and fall asleep at the wheel and end up in head-on-collisions.”
Africa said the weekend death toll stood at two fatalities, but he expected roads to be busy as many holidaymakers made their way back to the province.
“For this weekend we had two fatalities, so far, and that is a good sign. Normally we have up to 10 fatalities per weekend, so it’s a good sign.”
One driver was killed in a crash in Aberdeen, while a pedestrian was killed in Laingsburg.
The weekend saw traffic officials man a number of roadblocks, where 27 drunk drivers were arrested.
The highest alcohol reading was recorded in Caledon where one driver blew 1.01mg/litre - four times the legal limit.
Another driver was arrested for reckless and negligent driving in Mossel Bay after adding to the drunken driving tally.
Officials issued 316 fines for various traffic violations, with a total value of R583 000.