More than five times the usual weekly average of motor vehicle accidents occurred in Cape Town over the past week.
The City’s Traffic Services responded to 293 motor vehicle accidents – a sharp increase from the usual average of 50, while arrests decreased from 333 to 201.
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‘The inclement weather may have kept some criminals at bay, but it’s been a busy week for our Traffic Services and emergency services who attended to at least 293 crashes ranging from fender benders to more serious incidents,’ says Cape Town’s Mayco member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith.
‘It’s likely the actual tally is far higher, as not all incidents are necessarily reported through the same channels. The worse the weather, the better our driving habits should be.’
Smith says the City increased patrols and monitored hotspots to boost road safety during the storms.
‘With more rain predicted this week, we urge motorists to slow down, increase their following distance, and switch on their headlights to adapt to the challenging conditions. We’ll all get where we need to be, albeit cold and wet.’
In total, Traffic Services recorded 16 604 transgressions, impounded 120 public transport vehicles and executed 1 256 warrants of arrest. A total of 24 arrests were for driving under the influence of alcohol and three for reckless and negligent driving.
In addition, the Metro Police Department made 32 arrests, including two for drunk driving. They also confiscated several units of drugs, including mandrax, tik and dagga while their law enforcement counterparts arrested 142 suspects, including one person in Kleinvlei, for dealing in alcohol.
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They confiscated 625 litres of alcohol valued at R23 400 during this joint operation with the South African Police Service.
‘It is harrowing to think that in addition to the hazardous conditions of the road, some drivers still got behind the wheel while intoxicated. It is a recipe for disaster and drivers need to take more responsibility when on the road,’ Smith adds.
Furthermore, the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 476 incidents this weekend, including 65 assault cases and 38 domestic violence cases.
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Picture: City of Cape Town