CoCT concerned over increase in drunk driving

The City of Cape Town has raised concerns over the number of drunk drivers on the metro’s roads. The City's Traffic Services made 90 arrests in the past week - 33 of those during illegal street racing operations over the weekend.

Among those arrested were 69 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol, 19 for reckless and negligent driving, one for participating in an illegal street race and one for possession of a fraudulent driver's license. The number of drunk drivers arrested has increased from last week's 36.

‘’It's the first weekend of the new month and could be attributed to the end of the month partying; however, that is no excuse to get behind the wheel inebriated as these drivers found out. For them it was a trip to jail, but for others it could be a ticket to the hospital or the morgue. As more people take to the road with the sunnier weather, I want to encourage drivers to be responsible. Don't drink and drive. It's not worth your life or that of your loved ones,’’ said the City's Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

Furthermore, Smith said there’s been an increase in trauma-related calls to the Public Emergency Communication Centre over the weekend - majority in the assault category. Thirty-five more assault cases were lodged than the previous week’s 172. The call centre also lodged 58 Motor vehicle accidents, from last week’s 49. There were two more calls lodged for Pedestrian/vehicle accidents, following the previous week’s 15.

‘’It is disconcerting that the violence people inflict on each other shows the biggest jump. This includes physical and sexual assault, as well as incidents where weapons are used to injure or kill. The violence in our communities have far reaching effects and damages even those not involved in the incidents.’’

‘’Residents live in fear and experience depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress. Our officers across the directorate will continue to clamp down on this damaging behaviour,'’ added Smith.

 

Done by: Mitchum George