DUNDEE KZN: Will tractor drivers be forced to wear helmets?
A fine up of to R5000 is being mooted for transgressors
Plans are in place to pass legislation forcing tractor drivers to wear helmets. In a bid to curb the already horrendous road death toll in South Africa, it has been mooted that just as bicycle riders are urged to wear helmets, so should tractor drivers.
Road Traffic Inspectorate director, Frik Engelstein, said the matter was non-negotiable as far he was concerned. “Road safety is paramount.
Often we see tractors been driven slowly on main roads or even in town. The drivers are exposed. Municipalities, like in Endumeni, use tractors to cut the long grass, when they can afford to buy diesel for the tractor, that is, ” he told the Courier.
“These drivers are road users, they are exposed and should wear helmets just as motorcyclists have to. There is no difference.” Mr Engelstein said a white paper was being tabled to the KZN Provincial Legislature which outlined the proposal.
“Fines of up to R5000 will be dished out. I mean some farmers use their tractors to drive into town to do shopping so we need to keep them safe. If I had my way I would force all motorists including passengers to wear helmets – no excuses,” he concluded.
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