THERE has been a significant increase in road accidents despite regular appeals to motorists for safer and more responsible driving, said Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) spokesperson, Zinhle Mngomezulu, last week. She placed blame on reckless driving, which includes speeding, drunk driving as well as using technology while driving as the primary causes.
According to Mngomezulu, the province has seen 71 vehicle fatalities since the beginning of February, a concerning statistic if one considers the fact that there had been 58 fatal accidents in the whole of February, she said.
North of Durban the M4 and N2 highways have seen a sudden burst of accidents with the Northglen News reporting on at least four deaths on the M4, two involving cyclists, Richard da Silva (46) of Glen Anil and Jared Dwyer (36) of Glenwood, three on the N2 as well as 10 and nine injuries caused by motor vehicle collisions on the respective roads All in the spate of three weeks.
Mngomezulu said most accidents are a result of human error and could be avoided.
“With the technology at our fingertips, some people drive while talking on the cell phone, which interferes with concentration and time response when accidents occur. Other drivers just drive recklessly due to pressure, anxiousness and stress or illnesses like high blood pressure. However, people should not allow things like that to disturb their driving because it is compromising their safety and that of other motorists,” she said.
She also condemned and pinpointed speeding and driving under the influence as major problems.
“Drivers ignore the rules of the road. Their attitude and intolerance is also a cause. Often you see drivers overtaking in situations where it is unsafe,” she said.
At the beginning of February a joint operation between RTI and Durban North SAPS led to the arrest of 20 drunk drivers on the M4.
She once again called on motorists to drive responsibly and respectfully and to abide by the rules of the road.
