Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called on public transport drivers to refuse to undertake long-distance trips without a relief driver.
The Minister's call follows yet another horrific road crash involving a bus and a taxi on the N2 between Umtata and Kokstad in the Eastern Cape earlier today (24 December), where 12 people were reported killed after the bus and taxi collided head-on. According to preliminary reports, fatigue may have been a contributory factor to this crash.
Last Saturday (19 December), 10 people were killed in a bus crash near Umtata in the Eastern Cape after the driver of the bus lost control and crashed into a tavern. According to officials, fatigue may have also been a contributory factor to this crash.
"We wish to convey our condolences to the families of all those killed in the crash earlier today (24 December), involving yet another public transport vehicle in less than a week in the Eastern Cape. We also want to convey condolences to the families of all those killed in road crashes since the start of the December holidays and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.
"According to preliminary reports, fatigue may have yet again been a contributory factor this crash in the Eastern Cape earlier today (24 December), where 11 people were killed. We are therefore calling on public transport drivers to refuse to undertake long-distance trips without a relief driver. Drivers of public transport vehicles, especially buses and taxis, cannot be expected to drive hundreds of kilometres for several hours without a relief driver on board, when fatigue is a major contributory factor to road crashes. Public transport employers have a duty to ensure the safety of their workers and their customers.
"The Department of Transport is engaging with the Labour Federation in order to ensure that the eight working hours per day rule, as per the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, is strictly enforced for drivers of public transport vehicles, particularly buses and taxis," said the Minister.
Meanwhile, another taxi driver was arrested in KwaZulu-Natal earlier today (24 December) for travelling at a speed of 140 kilometres per hour. Another two taxi drivers were arrested and detained yesterday (23 December) evening for travelling at a speed of 159 kilometres per hour and for drinking and driving respectively.
"Traffic law enforcement will be intensified over the next few days. Law enforcement officers will be on duty on Christmas Day. No mercy will be shown to motorists who break the law," the Minister said.
Since December 1, as part of the Festive Season Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign, more than 700 public transport vehicles, including 400 buses and 250 taxis, have been removed from the country's roads. More than 450 000 vehicles and drivers have been stopped and checked. No less than one million vehicles and drivers will be stopped between December and January. More than 250 000 motorists were fined for speeding and more than 2 500 drunk drivers arrested. More than 150 motorists have been arrested for reckless and negligent driving. Thousands of drivers were also fined for non-wearing of seatbelts and other offences.
Meanwhile, Minister Ndebele has re-iterated that government will not compromise on safety in any mode of transport. "We will not compromise on the safety of our people in any mode of transport. As government, it is our responsibility to ensure safety in all modes of transport - air, sea, road and rail," said the Minister.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Ministry of Transport
24 December 2009
