Cape Town sees alarming rise in road accidents over the weekend

Cape Town recorded a sharp rise in road accidents this past weekend, with the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) logging 60 motor vehicle accidents and 21 pedestrian vehicle accidents in just 48 hours.

This marks a near double increase from the 41 such incidents recorded the previous weekend.

Overall, the PECC handled 1,825 incidents, including 648 medical emergencies, 34 fires, 96 cases of assault, 53 cases of domestic violence, and 81 combined motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

“These statistics are a grim reminder of the challenges we face with road safety,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

“With the current wet weather over the city, odds are that the rate of incidents will remain high. Our enforcement services work around the clock to be visible and to address transgressions.”

Traffic officers recorded more than 50,000 incidents of law-breaking by road users in the past week.

“Enforcement is a critical cog in this wheel, but safer roads start with greater accountability from road users. I appeal to everyone to share in the responsibility of creating safer walking, driving, and cycling conditions for all by obeying the law and exercising greater care for yourself and others,” Smith said.

The city also released general road safety tips, urging residents to obey the speed limit, avoid distractions such as cellphone use, maintain safe following distances, drive with headlights on, and remain alert for pedestrians and cyclists.

Pedestrians and cyclists are reminded to stick to legal routes and make themselves visible to other road users.

During the past week, Cape Town’s Traffic Service recorded 52 348 offences, made 32 arrests, 28 for drunk driving, two for reckless and negligent driving, and two for other offences, executed 1 634 warrants of arrest, and impounded 238 public transport vehicles.

Law Enforcement officers made 105 arrests and issued 4 875 notices for various transgressions, while Metro Police arrested 75 suspects and issued 2 353 notices for traffic and by-law offences.

Officers also seized dagga, mandrax, cocaine, an illegal firearm, ammunition, and an imitation firearm.

IOL News