City flags pedestrian accident statistics

21 October 2024

City emergency call-takers recorded at least 24 accidents involving pedestrians over a 48-hour period this weekend. Elsewhere, enforcement services arrested 259 suspects during weekly operations.

The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1 453 incidents this weekend.

While most call categories were in line with trends, the number of fire-related calls more than doubled, compared to the previous weekend, from 22 to 50.

Grass/vegetation fires and formal residential fires accounted for nearly 70 percent of the incidents.

The number of pedestrian vehicle accidents went from nine the previous weekend, to 24 – even higher than the number of motor vehicle accidents recorded (23).

‘These numbers are concerning, but one hopes that they can serve as a cautionary tale and general reminder to all. Pedestrians have a responsibility to cross roads in designated areas only, and to make sure that they are visible to oncoming traffic. We see far too many instances of people chancing their luck on very busy roads, with vehicles travelling at speed. To motorists, be aware of your surroundings at all times, and look out for pedestrians, to protect yourself, and your passengers. Our enforcement agencies conduct daily pedestrian operations with deployment along major routes, and our Traffic Service also conducts ongoing road safety education campaigns for learners; but ultimately, it requires a change in attitude and greater accountability from road users,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In general enforcement efforts in the past week, the City’s enforcement agencies arrested 259 suspects and recorded 67 857 traffic and by-law offences.

Law Enforcement officers made 180 arrests and issued 3 074 notices.

Metro Police officers arrested 49 suspects and issued 3 730 fines. Officers also recovered two firearms, various quantities of drugs and alcohol – the latter was confiscated from beachgoers.

Traffic officers arrested 30 motorists - 18 were for driving under the influence of alcohol, one for reckless driving and 11 for other transgressions.

They recorded 61 053 offences, executed 1 097 warrants of arrest and impounded 244 public transport vehicles.
 
Caption: A raised pedestrian crossing
Caption: Learners put through their paces at the launch of the City’s Road Safety Education Centre in Mitchells Plain

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office