More than thirty (30) people have lost their lives in four major crashes that occurred since Thursday, 23 June, a day before schools broke for the winter holidays. The Road Traffic Management Corporation's (RTMC) Special Accident Investigators have confirmed from the preliminary investigations that most of the crashes were as a result of human error.
On Thursday, 23 June 2011, on the N12 between Wolmaranstad and Klerksdorp, a crash involving a school bus and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) claimed the lives of five people when a motorist made an illegal u-turn. Thirteen people were seriously injured.
On Saturday, 25 June 2011, six people were killed when a sedan and light delivery vehicle were involved in a crash thirty kilometres from Klerksdorp. On Sunday, 25 June 2011, five people died on the M6 Lynwood Road Extension in Pretoria East. Tentatively, it can be revealed that the causes of these crashes were dangerous and/or negligent driving.
"It is almost becoming a norm for large numbers of people to lose their lives on our roads especially over weekends. This is unacceptable. We urge motorists, especially public transport operators to drive courteously and carefully. The lives of innocent and vulnerable road users are in your hands, and we cannot continue to bury people on account of the reckless behaviour of drivers who are chasing after a fast buck", said Mr Collins Letsoalo, Acting CEO of the RTMC.
As part of defensive driving techniques, drivers are advised to adhere to the following rules when it comes to overtaking vehicles on two-way roads:
- Is it legal? Are there any road traffic signs or markings that prohibit the passing of vehicles?
- Is it safe? Even if you are allowed to overtake, is it safe to do so? Is your view of the road ahead clear? Are there any obstacles or obstructions? At night can you accurately judge the speed and distance of the on-coming vehicle?
- Is it worth it? Is passing a vehicle really going to improve your position on the road? How much time are you really going to save by overtaking? Is it worth the risk? Is the road not going to widen in front where passing can be done safely?
Overtaking and crossing intersections remain the most dangerous places because both these activities allow for vehicles to come into head-on contact with vehicles travelling in opposite directions. Extreme care, observation and proper signalling must be done to ensure safety at these areas.
The RTMC, together with its provincial and municipal traffic departments conveys its condolences to the families of the bereaved and urges road users to report bad driving to 0861 400 800.
Enquiries:
Ashref Ismail
Cell: 071 680 3448
