The Western Cape’s hospitals have already been inundated with road-related incidents this month.

Chief of Operations at the province’s Department of Health, Dr Saadiq Kariem says that since the beginning of December, the region’s hospitals have dealt with more than 1 170 cases, which includes pedestrians.

He says that there is a link between alcohol abuse and the amount of trauma cases they’re treating during the festive season.

Meanwhile, the province’s police officers are zeroing in on illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms, and gender-based violence this festive season.

Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut says they are conducting several roadblocks as they integrate their crime fighting efforts.

He says private security has joined them this year.

A total of 150 vehicles have also been distributed to various police stations to bolster operations.

These measures come as law enforcement agencies are in full force between now and after the New Year.