North West MEC for Human Settlements, Public Safety & liaison, Ms Desbo Mohono appeals to motorists to check the roadworthiness of their vehicles before taking to the road for their festive holidays, to avoid overloading and speeding in the wet weather.
MEC Mohono said that Provincial Road Traffic Management Authorities will step up zero tolerance law enforcement operations to focus on speeding, drunken driving, vehicle fitness and load management across all roads in the province in anticipation of increased traffic volumes as from Thursday as travellers start making their way towards their holiday destinations.
Research has shown that failure to attend to tyre safety is a critical factor in most accidents every year and that 20% of accidents involving minibuses have tyre failure as a contributing factor.
“Motorists should remember that no matter how good your car is, or its tyres, this is not justification for breaking speed limits particularly in the forecasted wet weather. If a tyre bursts, do not apply the brakes; rather use the momentum and gears to slow down the vehicle. A sudden change in direction or braking will result in loss of control over the vehicle. Rather lose one rim than your car and probably your life,” advises MEC Mohono.
She highlighted that the devastating impact of road accidents on the economy and the health system is enormous judging from the 98 crashes that have cost the province 14 lives, 30 serious injuries and 53 minor injuries since the beginning of this month.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 391 0140
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 0328
E-Mail:LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
Check vehicle road worthiness and tyre safety before taking to the road appeals NW MEC Mohono
Province
