The number of recorded deaths from December 1 to 31 last year was 99, compared with 109 in 2013. The number of road accidents, however, increased from 567 in 2013 to 593. The most accidents apparently occurred in the Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande districts.
According to the DA, the increase of law-enforcement officers on the roads plays a vital part in ensuring the safety of road users. Despite the decrease, the party says it continues to be concerned about the number of fatalities.
It recommends that the following steps be taken:
• The backlog in prosecuting drunk drivers should be removed.
• Traffic officers need to be visible on the roads 24 hours a day, and be accredited and trained to recognise traffic offences and apprehend offenders. The objective must be to change future driving behaviour and prevent errors, fatalities, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol and other illegal substances.
• Stricter measures for overloaded taxis should be implemented.
In Hazyview there is the added complication of corrupt traffic officials who demand spot fines from tourists. The Hazyview Chamber of Business and Tourism (HCBT) launched a large-scale initiative in October to inform tourists about the procedures regarding paying traffic fines by means of tourist warning cards.
In partnership with Kruger Lowveld Tourism, these cards were printed with information, warning them against bribery and were distributed via establishments such as hotels and guest houses, tourism information offices and other tourism-related institutions.
According to Mr Chris Harvie of the HCBT, the number of cases has significantly decreased since the initiative started, but establishments are urged to continue distributing the cards to tourists.
The HCBT is also working with provincial and local traffic authorities to ensure that officials are more visible, to root out corruption and decrease the amount of accidents on the R40 and other roads in Hazyview. The tourist warning cards can be obtained from Mr Etienne Soiné of Umbhaba Lodge or Mr Elvis Ngomane, HCBT’s liaison officer at the Hazyview Police Station.
Enquiries: cbharvie@gmail.com
