Western Cape traffic officers have been patrolling the roads in an effort to reduce trauma cases caused by road accidents, reports News24. The need to be visible comes after nearly 30 people lost their lives on the roads last week.
In particular, the Women’s Day long weekend saw several trauma cases, putting further strain on an already struggling healthcare system. According to the Western Cape health department spokesperson Mark van der Heever, a shocking 1 545 trauma cases had been reported over the long weekend at 23 trauma units across the province.
This is despite the Provincial Traffic Services implementation of 91 integrated roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and speed control operations last week. This extensive operation saw around 21 382 vehicles stopped and checked, states Transport MEC Daylin Mitchell.
“While the province is simultaneously monitoring the number of trauma admissions to our hospitals during the third wave peak, contingency measures and protocols have been put in place to address all current changes to the regulations. Road crashes must not be allowed to add more pressure to the health system that is already under pressure,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell went on to remind the public of the socio-economic impact of these terrible crashes, urging motorists to drastically decrease their speeds when driving.
“Crashes have tremendous socio-economic impacts. Crash victims may be disabled, lose income or lose jobs. Losing a breadwinner could mean living in poverty, losing a parent, or losing a home. Losing a loved one could mean psychological trauma and disruption to family life,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the latest COVID-19 report has indicated that a further 6590 new cases have been recorded in South Africa, with an additional 189 deaths being recorded in the last 24 hours, reports ENCA.
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