DA: N12 deaths could have been avoided
A press release from DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport, Dr Neil Campbell.
DR NEIL Campbell, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Roads and Transport’s press release after the tragic accident on the N12, yesterday October 14.
The accident, which happened on the N12 highway near Alberton claiming the lives of two people and leaving many others critically injured, has highlighted the urgent need for stricter law enforcement on Gauteng’s roads.
This is a particularly dangerous stretch of road, as it is mostly downhill, allowing vehicles to reach high speeds. Coupled with this is its dangerous design with convergence and divergence of lanes often left to chance.
Some heavy vehicle drivers are prone to losing control at high speeds. South African roads are inundated with overloaded vehicles with higher than internationally accepted axle loads; this changes heavy vehicles – especially those carrying hazardous materials – into lethal missiles.
The financial and human loss incurred on South Africa’s roads as a result of poor driver compliance with road regulations and a lack of law enforcement is unacceptable.
A tragedy of this magnitude does not bode well for reduced road accident figures with the festive season right around the corner.
The minister of roads and transport, Dipuo Peters, must stop paying lip service to road safety with meaningless campaigns and convene a round table forum to decisively address the problem.
The DA would like to express its condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones, and send good wishes to those recovering from this terrible accident.
