Cape Town's emergency centre reports 84 accidents in 48 hours
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 84 motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents in 48 hours.
Image: City of Cape Town
THE City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 84 motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents in just 48 hours.
This is a near 50% increase compared to the last ‘wet weather’ weekend in March, and an urgent reminder to road users to shift gears, the City said on Monday.
As statistics go, the Public Emergency Communication Centre reported 1 414 incidents logged.
It was a busy weekend on the roads, due to Mother’s Day, and with every wet weather episode, the City reports an an uptick in motor vehicle accidents.
Image: City of Cape Town
However, it was the 84 motor vehicle and pedestrian vehicle accidents that raised a number of red flags.
“It was a busy weekend on the roads, due to Mother’s Day, and of course with every wet weather episode, we see an uptick in motor vehicle accidents. Wet weather conditions demand a different driving style, patience and more importantly, ensuring that key vehicle components are in good shape, like your tyres, brakes and wipers.
“These are things that far too many people either are not aware of, or neglect, and yet they can be the difference between life or death in poor driving conditions. Winter is fast approaching, so I appeal to everyone to please get their vehicles checked, but also to shift gears mentally for their own safety and that of others,” said mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
In general enforcement matters, the City reported 294 arrests in the past week and issued 58 313 fines for various transgressions.
On the roads, Cape Town Traffic Officers made 34 arrests - 24 for driving under the influence of alcohol, two for reckless and negligent driving and eight for other offences.
Officers also recorded 47 653 offences, impounded 210 public transport vehicles and executed 1 435 warrants of arrest.
Law enforcement officers made 200 arrests and issued 7 076 fines.
On Sunday, LEAP officers recovered two firearms. In Hanover Park, officers arrested a 25-year-old suspect for the possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition. He was found with a revolver and a number of rounds of ammunition.
In Delft, officers arrested a 22-year-old for the illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition.
The public can report criminal activity by calling the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.
Cape Times