Mayor urges youth not to drink and drive
Following an accident on Saturday, which claimed the lives of four people and injured several others, the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality expressed its concern regarding road fatalities involving youth.
The traffic accident in Bushbuckridge reportedly occurred around 04:00 on Saturday when two vehicles collided at Athurstone. One was reportedly carrying pupils coming from their matric dance, while the other was heading to a funeral. The municipality extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased.
In a press release, the municipality stated that the executive mayor, Cllr Renias Khumalo, was ”very disturbed because the integral cog of the population seems to be fading away due to alcohol abuse, speeding, drunk driving and disregarding of road rules.”
According to it, research has revealed that the mortality rate of young drivers is at least five times higher than that of older people, with car crashes cited as the major cause of death among people aged 18 to 29.
Khumalo urged the youth to stop speeding and driving while intoxicated, and to respect other road users and adhere to the rules of the road. “He has instructed municipal traffic law-enforcement officers to apply zero tolerance to all offences and act decisively without fear or favour. Those who fail to obey the law will face its full wrath,” the press release read.
Community members are urged to report reckless and negligent driving to the municipality on 079-874-3363.
The mayor will also engage the MMC responsible for community services to educate young people on alcohol abuse and the danger of drunk driving.
