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LDVs contribute to accidents in Mpumalanga

17 January 2012 

Out of the accidents recorded in Mpumalanga over the festive season, LDVs account for 58 percent of the crashes. A report compiled by the department after the Arrive Alive campaign indicates that the most vehicles that were involved in accidents as from December 1, 2011 until January 15, 2012, are LDVs as compared to other modes of transport.

Taxis are second by 20 percent, followed by trucks (16 percent), busses (4 percent) and motocycles (2 percent) respectively.

MEC for the department, Mr Vusi Shongwe said that most of these accidents were caused because many LDVs carry heavy loads with heavy trailers during busy seasons. 

According to Shongwe, the accidents were exacerbated by fatigue, when drivers drive long distances for long hours without resting and the wet weather conditions that prevailed during the festive season. 

“During the Easter Holidays campaign, we will target these bakkies travelling long distances. There is a need to check them thoroughly and weight both the trailer and the vehicle. Those found to be unroadworthy should be discontinued and those overloading be fined and load reduced,” said Shongwe.  

173 drivers lost control and crashed their vehicles, 157 accidents involved pedestrians and 85 accidents were as a result of overturning. Side swipe and head – rear accidents amounted to 123. 

The N4 (between Komatipoort and Witbank), N12 (between Witbank and Sundra) and R23 (between Volkrust and Balfour) remain problematic routes in the province and they account for 110 accidents and 34 fatalities. 

To minimize the effect of fatigue, the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison staged rest stops which were part of the Arrive Alive campaign. Thousands of vehicles were screened and many drivers were afforded time to rest while passengers were receiving road safety education.

During the operations, Shongwe was happy that drivers were targeted because they have the tendency of driving long distances without resting, putting the lives of their passengers and other motorists in danger.

“Passengers are also key on these operations because others put pressure on the drivers to drive non-stop in order to reach their destinations quicker. We need a buy-in from passengers to help government in encouraging drivers to frequently rest, that is the reason we also subject them (passengers) to road safety education at the rest stops,” said Shongwe.

Traffic officers did not close their eyes on unroadworthy vehicles and other road traffic infringements as many vehicles and trailers were discontinued and others impounded.

Of the vehicles stopped, some motorists were also issued with traffic fines for various violations, while warrants and summons were also issued during the operations. 

144 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, 25 for excessive speed ranging from 162 km/h to 193 km/h and the highest speed was driven on N3 on January 3, 2012. 

Four drivers were arrested for negligent and reckless driving, three for taxi transport permit, four for false documentation and 17 for other traffic violations.

Shongwe has praised the team of officials saying that commitment is the only recipe for success in the fight against general criminality and the reduction of road crashes.

The department had a lineup of road safety activities aimed at changing road users’ behavior towards their approach on road safety. The activities included road blocks, rest stops, speed monitoring and random patrols.

During the road blocks, a number of drivers were arrested and released after paying bail for speeding. If they are found guilty by the Magistrate, they might lose their licenses or have them suspended. 

This year’s accidents recorded between December 01, 2011 and January 15, 2012 have increased as compared to 2010.

674 accidents were recorded in 2011/2012 holidays while 650 were recorded in 2010/2011. Fatalities have also increased from 142 to 153 respectively. 

On January 28, 2012, the department will conduct a road safety prayer in Belfast to pray for the reduction of road accidents in the province.  

Enquiries: 

Joseph Mabuza
Tel:
013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450

Issued by Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison


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