Cape Town – Pedestrians accounted for most deaths on Western Cape roads, with 13 of them killed during the past week, according to the provincial Traffic Department.
A total of 25 road users were killed in the Western Cape, including five drivers, six passengers and one motorcyclist.
“As we head into the festive season, motorists are reminded that alcohol and roads don’t mix. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious risk to drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
"If you drive under the influence you face an increased risk of being in a crash in which people can get injured or killed.
“Remember too that DUI is a serious criminal offence and a DUI conviction may badly affect you for the rest of your life,” said the department.
Traffic officers of the Department of Transport and Public Works had their hands full when they arrested 57 road users, 40 of them for DUI.
The highest breath alcohol reading recorded by provincial officers was 1.28mg/1000ml in the Knysna service area, five times the legal limit of 0.24mg/1000ml.
A driver was arrested for travelling at 150km/* in a 100km/* zone in the Swellendam service area.
The department has also recorded 2 093 speeding offences in the past week. This was more than double the previous week’s recorded speeding offences of 886.
Other traffic violations include driving with false documentation, attempting to bribe a traffic officer and driving in a reckless and negligent manner.