Reckless driving reportedly the cause of two serious accidents
Two people died and thirteen others were seriously injured in two separate accidents in the area over Easter weekend.
The road death toll alleged to rise each year during the Easter weekend, has prompted the increased presence of traffic officials. Despite this, some motorists still engage in reckless driving and, in Hazyview, two serious accidents took place this weekend.
On April 1 a Mazda bakkie and a Toyota Conquest were involved in a head-on collision on the R538 (Numbi Gate Road) at around 20:00.
According to Mr Moete Mmusi of the Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, five people were seriously injured and two sustained slight injuries. They were all stabilised on the scene before being transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The next day an accident on the R40 near the Numbi Park turn-off claimed the lives of two people. Mr Kobus Myburgh, a local traffic official, said he was attending to a roadblock at around 20:00, when a minor accident was reported in front of Bread of Life.
As he was finishing up to assist officers, a white VW Golf sped past. Myburgh arrived at the scene only to discover that the above-mentioned Golf and a Toyota vehicle had collided about 400 metres down the road.
Two occupants died and seven others were seriously injured. They were stabilised on the scene before being rushed to Matikwane Hospital.
Beer cans were found in the vehicle and it was suspected that the occupants had been under the influence of alcohol.
According to Mmusi, both vehicles were headed in the same direction and it is suspected that one of the drivers had been speeding.
An eyewitness told Myburgh that the Golf was travelling at high speed in the 80-kilometre zone from Hazyview towards White River.
The cause of the accident is still being investigated.
Myburgh warned motorists against drinking and driving. “Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in South Africa.
The legal limit for alcohol in the blood is 0,05 grams per 100 millilitres and the breath-alcohol content limit is
0,24 milligrams per 1 000 millilitres. It is illegal to refuse a blood test or breathalyser. If convicted of a drunk-driving offence, the driver’s licence can be suspended for a period that can range from six months to 10 years. A hefty fine can also be issued.”
Mmusi urged motorists to adhere to the rules of the rule to avoid accidents and possible loss of life. Extra care should be taken during peak times. An increase in traffic also means that motorists need to provide for delays in their driving time and rest frequently to keep their senses sharp.
