Cape Town: The Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded 60 motor vehicle accidents and 21 pedestrian vehicle accidents over 48 hours this past weekend. It represented a 100% increase as compared to the previous weekend when 41 such incidents were recorded.
PECC recorded 1,825 incidents over the weekend including 648 medical incidents, 34 fires, 96 cases of assault, 53 cases of domestic violence and 81 motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that these statistics are a grim reminder of the challenges they face with road safety.
According to Smith, with the current wet weather over the city, odds are that the rate of incidents will remain high. The enforcement services work around the clock to be visible and to address transgressions.
Just in the last week, traffic officers recorded more than 50,000 incidents where road users broke the law. Enforcement is a critical cog in this wheel, but safer roads start with greater accountability from road users.
Smith said, “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.”
Reportedly, Law Enforcement officers made 105 arrests in the past week and issued 4,875 notices for various transgressions. Their Metro Police counterparts arrested 75 suspects and issued 2,353 notices for traffic and by-law transgressions.
Metro Police Officers also recovered a range of contraband including dagga, mandrax and cocaine, an illegal firearm and ammunition, as well as an imitation firearm.
There are some general Road Safety tips that everyone should follow:
- Obey the rules of the road, in particular the speed limit
- Be vigilant at all times, and avoid distractions like using your cellphone (which is illegal)
- Ensure safe following distances and drive with your headlights on, so you are visible to other road users
- Be on the lookout for pedestrians or cyclists
- Pedestrians should walk only where it is legal to do so, and wear bright clothing to be visible to other road users
- Cyclists should ride only where it is legal to do so, and ensure that they are visible to other road users
- Apart from the 52,348 offences recorded by the Traffic Service, officers also made 32 arrests – 28 for drunk driving, two for reckless and negligent driving and two for other offences. They executed 1,634 warrants of arrest and impounded 238 public transport vehicles.