eMalahleni was not spared death on the roads
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Vusi Shongwe has called on those travelling long distances to rest sufficiently along the way.
Scattered glass on the road writes its own story of death.
On the Emalahleni roads lives have been lost over the Easter long weekend.
From Ga-Nala Mr Perciville Motloung from PEMS ambulance services said they rushed to an accident just outside the town where they found an overturned car and a bakkie in the middle of the road.
“There were minor injurious to more serious injuries and unfortunately the driver of the car died, Motloung said.
The other two patients were transported to Witbank Hospital.
The next day the emergency personnel were called to an accident on the R547.
“A car rolled and the driver sustained serious injuries. He was transported to Evander Hospital,” Motloung said.
An accident on the R555 also claimed the life of a man.
Many people are expected to travel home today as the long weekend draws to a close.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe said fatigue is bad as it affects the quality of the decisions drivers make, and that is why some crash scenes are difficult to understand.
“Drivers should take regular breaks. They must concentrate and remain on extreme alert. Hence, we want them to rest every two hours or 200km of driving. They should not rely too much on energy drinks but rest and alternate driving with fellow occupants where possible,” Shongwe emphasised.
Shongwe is also calling on all people to be cautious and obey the rules of the road. He adds that everyone must buckle up as this reduces the impact of injuries during crashes and collisions.
He is calling on public transport operators who will be ferrying congregants after Easter church services to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before departing.
“We must put the lives of passengers first and not profits or a number of loads. Safety must come first,” the MEC said.
Furthermore, motorists are advised to be cautious of wet weather and misty conditions prevailing on various roads. They need to adjust their driving according to various prevailing conditions.
- During the Easter weekend traffic awareness campaigns law enforcement officers have stopped and checked over 40 000 vehicles across various roads since Thursday.
- Over 19 000 heavy motor vehicles went through various weighbridges.
- About 5 248 drivers were issued with summonses for various offenses. Over 130 vehicles were also discontinued, and 119 vehicles were impounded by the traffic officers.
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