Transport operators warned about consequences of disobeying traffic rules
The Road Traffic Management Corporation would like to warn all transport operators that they could face severe consequences including criminal charges if they continue to ignore duties imposed on them by transport regulations.
Regulations impose duties on the operators to exercise control over their vehicles and drivers while on public roads. This includes the responsibility to ensure that vehicles are in a roadworthy state and drivers are fit and proper to operate those vehicles.
Failure to execute these responsibilities could result in the cancellation of operator permits with severe consequences for businesses concerned. Vehicles can also be impounded and prevented from continuing their journeys until all defects have been repaired. Criminal charges could be imposed where fatal crashes are involved.
This warning is issued following a spate of major road crashes since the beginning of the year involving trucks and busses. In the most devastating of these crashes, 27 people died in a multi-vehicle collision on Friday (19 October 2018).
An estimated 91 people have died while 275 were injured in major collisions involving trucks and busses throughout the country since the beginning of the year.
Failing to keep the vehicles under control, driving in the face of coming traffic, driving at excessive speed and failing to keep a proper lookout have been identified as some of the human factors that contributed to the majority of these crashes. Mechanical failures and road conditions contributed to a very small number of the crashes.
The RTMC would like to send heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of people who died in the Friday collision and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The RTMC will be working with the SAPS and other law enforcement authorities to determine the cause of the crash.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
