MEC Shongwe blames road crashes on motorist’s intolerance

MEC Shongwe blames road crashes on motorist’s intolerance

BY MUSHAKABVU

Whilst human error contributes to most road crashes, intolerance on the part of motorists is also to blame; this is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe.

Shongwe has calls on road users to be more tolerant with another saying roads are shared spaces and the only way to reduce crashes is for motorists to consider other road users.

“We need increased tolerance and vigilance on the part of all road users so that we can save more lives this Festive Season. We will all arrive safely at our destinations if we abide by traffic regulations and are driving with great caution.” Shongwe said.

Meanwhile preliminary reports indicate that Mpumalanga roads have claimed 74 people lives out 334 accidents since the beginning of December. 235 people survived these accidents with serious injuries while 364 were slightly injured.

Nkangala Region is leading with 34 fatalities, followed by Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande Regions with 23 and 17 respectively.

MEC Shongwe says most accidents are caused by overloading, drunk driving, excessive speeding, tiredness, failure to obey road signs and un-roadworthy vehicles.

“Traffic officers must not show any mercy to motorists who are not obeying traffic rules because we preach the same gospel throughout the year that traffic rules must be obeyed by all and these messages continue to be ignored endangering other people’s lives.” Shongwe shongwe said.

He added that law enforcement operations in all corners of the province will be staged on most roads to ensure that holiday makers reach their destinations safely.

Shongwe applauded traffic officers for arresting 22 drivers between 16 and 22 December in the province during normal day to day operations.

Ten drivers were arrested for drunk driving and five more motorists were nabbed for excessive speeding while seven people were also arrested for outstanding traffic fines.

The highest speed recorded was 200km/h where Mr. RJ Moyo was arrested on the N3 Road between Heidelburg and Villiers on 17 December 2013. He appeared in Grootvlei Court and was granted a R2500 bail.

During the operations, 53431 vehicles were stopped and checked and 8312 fines were issued to motorists for various traffic violations. 692 vehicles were also impounded while 342 were discontinued for not being road worthy.

The department continues with activities planned for the festive season holidays including rest stops, speed checks, awareness campaigns and road blocks.