The Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Advocate Lennit Max, today warned against road fatigue following an accident this morning on the N2 near Albertina in which three passengers in a Opel Corsa vehicle died when they were involved in a head on collision with a Mercedes Benz.
According to eye witnesses the Corsa, en route to Mossel Bay, “inexplicably drifted in the lane of the oncoming Mercedes Benz”.
In a second accident at 15h30 this afternoon on the N2 at the Gouritz River near Mossel Bay, one person died when two vehicles were involved in an accident. Max said that drivers, taking on longer road trips, need to be more aware that they need to be well rested and that they make regular stops to take a short rest.
He added that well rested drivers, coupled with a road worthy vehicle and complimented by a sincere commitment to obey the rules of the road, are good assets as well as a good attitude to safer and enjoyable road trips.
Max expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and added that though it is sad to lose a family member the loss seems greater especially on the eve of a festive season. He cautioned all road users to respect the rules of the road and to be responsible drivers as offences of the road rules have a terrible prize for both offenders and victims.
He reiterated that law enforcement is committed to continue to clamp down on road offenders and successfully execute the provincial traffic’s Integrated Summer Traffic Operational programme to keep the roads safer over the festive season.
These operations are part of the joint campaign (Safely Home) of the Department of Community Safety and Transport and Public Works.
For operational traffic info, contact:
Xenophone Wentzel
Cell: 082 820 0621
Tel: 021 483 6546
Enquiries:
Julian Jansen
Tel: 021 483 3873
Fax: 021 483 3874
Fax to e-mail: 086 579 4315
Cell: 082 726 9334
