Cape Town: Traffic Services of City of Cape Town attended to 293 motor vehicle accidents in the past week, more than five times, usually 50 in a week. As more rainfall is expected to be received, the motorists are urged to take extra care and precautions while driving out.
Reportedly, the inclement weather of the past week saw a downturn in arrests, from 333 to 201, whereas an increase was observed in motor vehicle accidents, that skyrocketed suddenly.
Traffic Services recorded 16,604 transgressions and impounded 120 public transport vehicles and executed 1,256 warrants of arrest. The officers have also made 27 arrests, out of which 24 were for driving under the influence of alcohol and three for reckless and negligent driving.
However, the Metro Police Department made 32 arrests that included two for drunk driving. The Metro Police Officers also confiscated various drugs that included mandrax, tik and dagga.
The Law Enforcement counterparts arrested 142 suspects which included one person in Klenvlei for dealing cases related to alcohol. During the arrest, while assisting the South African Police Service, officers confiscated 625 litres of alcohol valued at R23,400.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that the inclement weather may have kept some criminals at bay but it’s been a busy week for the Traffic Services and Emergency Services who attended to at least 293 crashes ranging from fender benders to more serious incidents.
Smith explained that 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 the driving habits should be.
To enhance the road safety during the storms, Cape Town Traffic Services proactively increased the patrols and monitored the hotspots. It facilitated swift responses to any incidents.
Considerably, more in rain which is predicted this week, they urged motorists to slow down and increase the following distance and switch on their headlights to adapt to the challenging conditions. He added that they’ll all get where they need to be, albeit cold and wet.
Alderman JP Smith is also expressed that it is harrowing to think that in addition to the hazardous conditions of the road, some drivers still got behind the wheel while getting intoxicated. He further explained that it is a recipe for disaster and drivers which needs to take more responsibility when on the road.