Weather shifts gears: 39% increase in motor vehicle accidents

With the rainy season not yet in full swing, the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre has already recorded an increase in motor vehicle accidents.

Safety and security mayco member, JP Smith, said 57 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents were recorded in 48 hours compared to 41 the previous weekend. 

He attributed this shift to the gloomy weather. 

"The change in weather combined with poor driving habits and a lack of patience likely all contributed to the increase in motor vehicle accidents. Let’s not forget vehicle defects like balding tyres and brakes, and worn wipers – all things that can compromise safety on the roads.

"Please let this be a cautionary tale as we brace for winter and get your vehicles checked timeously to ensure they’re able to deal with the changing road conditions.

"Some motorists would also do well to check their attitudes and behaviour on the roads, or run the risk of ending up behind bars," said Smith.

The Public Emergency Communication Centre also recorded 1 629 incidents over the weekend, including 80 assault cases, 50 domestic violence incidents and 206 noise nuisances.

However, it was the increase in motor vehicle accidents compared to the previous weekend that caught the eye, Smith said. 

In one incident on Sunday, a taxi caused a collision involving four other motor vehicles at Jakes Gerwel Drive and Viking Way.

Nine passengers in the taxi and a child in one of the other vehicles all sustained minor injuries.

The taxi driver was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, as well as reckless and negligent driving.

Smith said the Traffic Service made 24 arrests – 15 for driving under the influence of alcohol, four for reckless and negligent driving and five for other offences.

Officers also recorded 41 986 offences, impounded 248 public transport vehicles and executed 884 warrants of arrest.

Law Enforcement arrested 184 suspects and issued 7 323 notices, while Metro Police officers made 114 arrests, including 30 for driving under the influence, and issued 3 876 fines for traffic and by-law transgressions.

 "Residents are reminded to report criminal activities by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline," said Smith. 

Separately, Western Cape law enforcement officers issued 200 speeding fines across the province, with the highest recorded speed reaching 160km/h in a 120km/h zone last weekend.

Excessive speeding continues to be one of the most significant contributors to road crashes, injuries, and fatalities, the Western Cape Mobility Department said. 

"At high speeds, drivers have less time to respond to sudden obstacles, traffic changes, or emergencies. Excessive speed also makes it harder to navigate bends, avoid obstacles, and maintain stability of a vehicle. Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, are often most at risk.

“Speeding not only increases the likelihood of incidents, but also reduces reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid hazards. The faster a vehicle travels, the greater the force of impact in a collision, leading to often devastating consequences,” said Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku.

Cape Argus