28 killed on Western Cape roads in first week of festive season

TWENTY-EIGHT people have been killed on Western Cape roads in the first week of the festive season.

Of the 28 fatalities recorded, 12 were pedestrians, making them the single largest group affected this past week. The other fatalities include 10 passengers, 3 drivers, 2 motorcyclists, and 1 cyclist.

The provincial mobility department expressed concern over the alarming number of road incidents recorded in the first week of the festive season, from December 1-7. 

Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku said: “These numbers are extremely troubling, especially considering that the peak travel period has not even begun. Every life lost is a tragedy, and every family affected enters the festive season carrying pain instead of joy. Pedestrian safety remains one of our greatest concerns, we urge every road user, whether behind the wheel or walking alongside our roads, to exercise heightened caution. The mental and physical fitness of drivers who are undertaking long journeys is also of paramount to reducing the number of incidents.”

During the reporting period, Provincial Traffic Services conducted over 200 integrated operations, including roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control activities. Over 33 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, and just over 10 000 fines were issued for a range of traffic violations relating to both driver and vehicle fitness. 

Forty-three motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during this period. Chief Director for Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout said: “Our teams are fully deployed across the province, but enforcement alone cannot prevent crashes. We need every motorist, pedestrian, cyclist, and passenger to take responsibility. Simple decisions, like crossing only at safe points, not drinking and driving, and sticking to the speed limit, can save lives. The festive season should be a time of celebration, not mourning.”

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is appealing to all O-negative, O-positive and B-positive blood donors to donate as soon as possible, as blood stocks have reached critical levels.

The Service aims to maintain a five-day supply of all blood groups and currently only has a two-day supply in these groups.

“We rely on the generosity of all our donors to keep blood stocks at healthy levels,” said Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS.

“While O-negative, O-positive and B-positive blood is needed most urgently right now, every donation from every blood group helps ensure that we can continue providing patients with the care they need.”

To find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za or contact WCBS via WhatsApp at 060 549 7244.

Cape Times