Accident near Sonpark sparks outrage towards delivery bikers
Delivery motorcycle riders and their driving recently came under fire following an accident near Sonpark. An operational team leader in the area weighed in on the matter.
A motorcycle rider for Checkers Sixty60 narrowly escaped serious injury when he was involved in an accident at the Sonpark intersection on August 18.
The motorcycle burst into flames following a collision with a car. The rider broke his right leg and wrist.
The accident sparked a social media outcry about delivery drivers in general, with members of the public claiming they drive irresponsibly.
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Checkers explained that the delivery service is subcontracted to them.
Lowvelder then spoke to the driver’s operational team leader in the area, who confirmed his injuries and said the driver had been discharged from hospital on the afternoon of August 19.
As for the allegations against delivery drivers, he mentioned an eyewitness on the scene of the accident said it was not the motorcycle rider’s fault, but the motorist’s.
He said, working in the industry as he does with the drivers, and frequently being on the road himself, that it is easy for motorists to blame the guy on the motorcycle. Oftentimes with incidents like these, they find that the motorist was not paying attention and did not see the motorcycle.
The Lowveld Motorcycle Safety Initiative’s Johan du Plessis also weighed in on the incident, saying he was inclined to agree with the public. He said delivery companies often do not vet their drivers properly and, added to that, do not always provide the proper protective equipment for them.
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The team leader explained that their drivers come via a recruitment company that vets their driving skills. The company requires three to five years’ experience in driving a motorcycle, and riders are tested before they are appointed.
As for protective gear, he said initially it was up to the drivers to decide whether they wanted to wear protective gear or not, but recently it has become compulsory.
The company offers to purchase the gear for them, but the riders have to pay it off over a certain time.
Lastly, Du Plessis said there can be better enforcement of laws when it comes to motorcycles in the Lowveld in general.
