Transport and Public Works:

Forensic Pathology Services road traffic mortality data indicates that approximately 60% of completed post mortem Blood Alcohol Concentration tests are positive, with variations occurring between road user types and across different districts within the province. Confirmed circumstances of death fatality data is not yet available for the period subsequent to the lifting of the alcohol ban. However, preliminary figures released by Forensic Pathology Services are strongly indicative of a strong decline in fatalities during the alcohol ban under Lockdown Level 5, and a sharp rise in fatalities after the lifting of the ban. In April 2020, there were 26 road traffic fatalities, a decline of 66.8% versus April 2019. In May 2020, there were 45 fatalities, a decrease of 61.5% versus May 2019. In June, however, fatality numbers appear to be rising to levels similar to those of 2019, with 53 alleged fatalities as of the 16^th June 2020.

The Department’s efforts to curb drinking and driving on the provincial and national road network are currently hampered by the withdrawal of the use of breathalyser testing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Department’s officers are also heavily engaged in Covid-19 prevention activities, notably the critical requirement of monitoring of public transport operator compliance with sanitation and capacity limitations. Nevertheless the Department remains committed to testing driver fitness wherever possible under the current circumstances, and arrests for driving under the influence are continuing. The Safely Home campaign is ongoing and continues to raise awareness around the dangers of driving under the influence. In July, the Safely Home theme is #BoozeFreeRoads, concentrating on the twin issues of driving and walking under the influence. The Department looks forward to the restoration of normal operations, when activities like Random Breath Testing can re-commence.

The alleged figures are: