The Department of Transport has learned with shock of the death of 18 people earlier today, 10 October 2009 in separate road crashes.
In one incident in Gauteng on Moloto Road, 12 people were killed when a minibus taxi they were travelling in overturned. In another, in the Vaal, Mpumalanga, six people were killed in a collision involving three vehicles.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) in both areas have opened cases relating to the accidents and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (TRMC) is also investigating. Only yesterday, 9 October 2009, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele conveyed his condolences to families of the deceased who lost their lives as a result of a road crash in Durban in which five people died, including a 12 months old baby.
In the very recent past also, a spate of road accidents have been reported where innocent lives were lost. This state of affairs is of great concern to the department. Our condolences go to the many families, the friends and relatives of those who have lost their loved ones due to these accidents.
The department urges all motorists and road users to exercise extreme caution and patience on the road at all times. Please take heed of the following safety pre-cautions:
* Do not go over the speed limit, speed kills. Adjust your speed accordingly 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 percent
* Switch on your headlights even during the day, to make you visible to other motorists and road users
* Make sure the windshield 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.
Road accidents can be avoided and many lives can be saved.
For more information please contact:
Sam Monareng
Cell: 083 326 1521
Email: MonarenS@dot.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Transport
10 October 2009
Source: Sapa
