18 people die in weekend of speeding, drunk driving

EIGHTEEN people were killed on Western Cape roads over the past weekend, the Western Cape Department of Transport reported yesterday.

On Friday night, seven people, including a family of four, died when a bakkie collided with a sedan vehicle.

Three others – a motorcyclist, a pedestrian and a passenger – died during separate accidents in the Cape Peninsula on the same night.

On Saturday, one driver died in a collision in Clanwilliam, while another driver died in an accident in Pinelands.

Three pedestrians were knocked down and killed in separate accidents in Maitland, Steenberg and Stellenbosch on Sunday, while one driver was killed in a collision in Worcester.

A driver and passenger were killed in another accident in Worcester on Sunday.

Traffic officials arrested 21 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol during several roadblocks across the province.

“The highest breath alcohol reading was recorded in Caledon. At 1.22mg/1 000ml, this is five times the legal limit,” said provincial transport department spokesman Byron la Hoe.

Officers recorded 853 speeding offences, with the highest speed recorded being 182km/h in a 120km/h zone.

“A total of 260 fines in the amount of R371 650 were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver fitness to vehicle fitness,” La Hoe said.