The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is extremely concerned about the high spate of fatal crashes that occurred countrywide in the last ten days.
More than 44 people lost their lives in five major crashes that occurred in Limpopo, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal; this shortly after emerging from a festive season that noted a small drop in annual fatalities.
Many of the fatal crashes are caused as a result of vehicles that are not roadworthy, reckless, negligent and inconsiderate driving, overloading and in one case drinking and driving. It is alleged that overloading and dangerous overtaking were the primary causes of the two crashes that occurred in Makhado on Wednesday and today, just outside Polokwane where a total of 22 people died.
The Chief Executive Officer of the RTMC, Mr Ranthoko Rakgoale said: “What is extremely worrying is the number of crashes as a result of dangerous overtaking leading to head-on collisions. Head-on collisions are the most dangerous and the chances of survival are very low, given the impact speed of two approaching vehicles”.
According to the chief executive officer, just over 45 percent of all fatal crashes are as a result of dangerous overtaking. Amongst the complaints received by the RTMC, the public have witnessed learners being transported in vehicles that are not roadworthy driven by operators who blatantly disregard road traffic rules and regulations.
The RTMC, together with its provincial and municipal traffic police departments have, through the national rolling enforcement plan, embarked on a nation-wide campaign focused on, amongst others, public transport vehicles. The aim of this operation is to check for vehicle and driver fitness among goods and passenger carrying vehicles.
Mr Rakgoale has extended the RTMC’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
“We urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution particularly when ferrying passengers, as the responsibility of getting people safely to their destinations is in the hands of the driver. The recent loss of life that has been experienced could have been prevented if all drivers exercised patience and adhered to the rules of the road. Human life is precious and some of those that have lost their lives has been someone’s mother, father, brother, sister or child”.
“We appeal to motorists to pre-check their vehicles before embarking on any trip and obey the rules of the road and ensure that they arrive alive at all times,” he added.
Road safety is everybody’s responsibility. All road users are encouraged to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.
Media contacts:
Thandi Moya
Cell: 071 680 3445
Tshino Mavhusha
Cell: 073 5769 474
Issued by: Road Traffic Management Corporation
5 February 2010
