Deputy Transport Minister Jeremy Cronin has conveyed condolences to the families of at least twenty people killed in two road crashes over the past few hours.
"We want to convey our condolences to all the families and relatives of those killed in road crashes in the past 24 hours. We wish those injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during these difficult moments. The Department of Transport has dispatched a team of accident investigation and reconstruction specialists to assist in the investigation of these crashes," said the Deputy Minister.
Early this morning, 27 November 2009, eight people were reported killed and several others injured in a crash between three trucks and a mini-bus taxi on the N3 between Harrismith and Van Reenen's Pass in the Free State.
Last night, 26 November 2009, ten people were reported burnt to death after a bus caught fire following a collision with a truck on the R573 near Pretoria on Thursday night. According to preliminary reports, most of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition after the bus crashed into the truck and both vehicles instantly burst into flames. More than thirty other people sustained various injuries.
Deputy Minister Cronin has urged all road users to exercise extreme caution on the roads, especially as we head towards the festive season. "As we head towards the festive season, traffic volumes on our roads will increase and we urge all road users to exercise extreme caution on the roads and obey all road rules. We want to once again make a special plea to public transport operators to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and that they do not put the lives of innocent commuters at risk. Road safety is everybody's responsibility. Traffic officers will be out in full force on the roads during the festive season and those who break the law will be dealt with severely," Deputy Minister Cronin said.
The Department of Transport urges all road users to take heed of the following safety tips:
* Do not go over the speed limit, speed kills. Adjust your speed according to the prevailing conditions.
* Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy at all times.
* Never drive when too tired to do so.
* Always buckle up (both front and back seat passengers).
* Wearing a seatbelt will reduce the severity of injuries by up to 40%.
* Switch on your headlights even during the day, to make you visible to other motorists and road users;
* Make sure the wiper blades are in good condition, particularly in rainy weather.
* Make sure that your vehicle tyres are in good condition.
* Make sure the lights and reflectors are clean. Lights and reflectors are especially important during bad weather.
* Make turns as gentle as possible.
* Don't brake any harder than necessary.
* Don't drive alongside other vehicles. Always keep a safe following distance and anticipate stops early and slow down gradually.
Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050
Issued by: Department of Transport
27 November 2009
