Johannesburg EMS responds to a number of accidents over the Easter long weekend

City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has noted with concern the number of motor vehicle accidents and vehicle accidents involving pedestrians over the Easter long weekend.

According to a statement issued by the emergency service’s spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, from 6pm on Thursday 29 March to 6am on Tuesday 3 April, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services Call Centre received a total of 328 road emergency calls.

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He said from that total, 183 were motor vehicle accidents and 145 were pedestrian accidents with five fatalities.

In one of the incidents involving a pedestrian on Good Friday morning, a female nurse lost her life when she was knocked over by a speeding vehicle while walking to work on Chris Hani Road in Soweto.

“We, therefore, would like to urge residents to exercise extreme caution when walking and also crossing the road,” said Mulaudzi.

“Residents are urged to wear visible clothing, especially at night, and also to use designated pedestrian bridges when crossing the freeway, and refrain from drinking and walking, especially at night.”

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He urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and said they need to obey the rules of the road, keep to the prescribed speed limit and maintain a safe following distance.

“Through the Public Information, Education and Relations, we will continue to intensify our public education initiatives in schools, early childhood development centres, shopping centres, churches and malls in order to create a culture of road safety in all our residents throughout the City of Johannesburg.

Details: RobertMul@joburg.org.za

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