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
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