The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service has responded to an alarming 236 road accidents in just 10 days, painting a stark picture of the dangers lurking on wet, wintery roads.
As relentless rain lashes the region, emergency responders are stretched to the limit, dealing with a surge in crashes that experts say are largely preventable. The sheer number of incidents has triggered renewed calls for urgent behaviour change among road users—from slowing down and increasing following distance to checking tyre tread and visibility.
City officials warn that Cape Town’s winter climate, combined with driver negligence, creates a deadly formula. Slippery roads, low visibility, and reckless manoeuvres are turning daily commutes into high-risk journeys.
“We’re urging motorists to be extra cautious—this isn’t just about traffic delays, it’s about saving lives,” said a senior Fire and Rescue spokesperson.
As the wet season continues, authorities are ramping up public awareness efforts, but they say it ultimately comes down to individual responsibility behind the wheel. With the toll already high and winter far from over, the message is clear: slow down, stay alert, and drive to survive.
