Law enforcers focus on drunk driving

Of the 53 people arrested for drunk driving on Western Cape roads last week (Monday to Sunday, 22 to 28 August), 27 were arrested in and around George this weekend. It is the result of a joint operation between the local police and local and provincial traffic services in the area from Friday 26 August until Monday morning.

According to acting George traffic chief Vernon Petersen, this is not a once-off operation and such operations will occur regularly in George to ensure safety on our roads. "The team arrested 27 drivers and was greatly assisted by George Hospital during the processing stage," he said.

Chief provincial traffic inspector Quinton Williams said the operation forms part of their Women's Month initiatives.

"The operations were mostly carried out by our female traffic officers in collaboration with the police as proof that women can also make a difference in law enforcement. Integrated joint operations were held across George to combat drunken driving, which is also one of the reasons for accidents and road crashes that can lead to fatalities," he said.

Western Cape roads

Across the province a total of 186 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoint and speed control operations were held that saw 32 536 vehicles being stopped and checked between Monday and Sunday, 22 and 28 August. A total of 8 386 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness.

A total of 53 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 13 pedestrians were killed in crashes on Western Cape roads and 333 speeding offences were recorded.

Hospital welcomes initiative

Nadia Ferreira, Western Cape Department of Health district spokesperson, said this initiative shows the importance of departments working together to achieve common goals.

"George Hospital sees a high number of trauma cases and deaths over weekends due to accidents as a result of persons drinking under the influence.

“This has a negative influence on our patient waiting times and resources. We encourage the public to drink responsibly and to not drive while under the influence," she said.

Vehicles were stopped and checked and drivers were handed goody bags at a roadblock on the N2 opposite Eden Church on Tuesday 30 August.

To end Women’s Month, various emergency services including the police and local and provincial traffic departments took part in a roadblock on the N2 opposite Eden Church on Tuesday 30 August.

Some of the members who formed part of the operation are, from left: municipal traffic officer Ilse da Silva, provincial traffic officer Awiwe Matiwane, Dr Kimberly Lawrence of George Hospital, provincial traffic officer Gladys Mitara and Sr Codere Februarie, also of the George Hospital.