Show no mercy to reckless and negligent drivers

Traffic law enforcement in Mpumalanga should not show any mercy to reckless and negligent drivers in order to reduce road deaths and injuries resulting from accidents which are largely preventable.

This is according to community safety, security and liaison MEC Mr Vusi Shongwe.

Shongwe was speaking during the department’s annual Provincial Driver of the Year Competition (Doty) held in Witbank. The competition, which is an initiative by the department to promote safe driving and reduce road accidents in the province, includes heavy duty driving like trucks and buses where the best drivers from around the province are pitted against each other and tested through a series of challenges to determine the best drivers to represent the province at the national competition.

Shongwe has further called on traffic officials to deal harshly with drivers who use cell phones while driving as some of the accidents are caused by drivers who are either texting messages or talking on cell phones while driving.

He said he was totally against drivers who completely disregard traffic rules and regulations as this places many road users’ lives in danger. “We should never allow ourselves to be kept hostages’ on public roads by a few unruly elements who think they own the roads and have no respect for a human life.

“Our roads are increasingly becoming death traps and will soon have to be declared the next highest killer after HIV/Aids if we do not act now. We are losing lives unnecessary. Many of the accidents that claim lives could be avoided and prevented,” said Shongwe. The MEC has further called on drivers to prioritise road safety, especially when transporting people.

He has also called community members to assist government by reporting reckless drivers, those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, unroadworthy and overloaded vehicles as well as other violations to law-enforcement agencies.

The MEC said by punishing reckless drivers, the government will send a strong messages and this will assist in making the roads safer.

Speaking at the same event, the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s Mr Paulos Plaatjies, said they would support every endeavour geared towards road safety including driver competitions and he further called on those who won to prepare themselves the National Driver of the Year Competition to be held next year.

He added that initiatives such as DOTY should be supported so that the country could produce more competent and safe drivers.

The event was among others supported Road Accident Fund, African Bank, Absa, Eskom, Nedbank and the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.

The winners in the differentdeferent categories are:

• BV Mahlangu -Regit category

• NE Shirindza – Regit plus four-wheel trailer

• NM Mthusi – 3,5 ton delivery vehicle

• KJ Tsotetsi – Articulated category

• NS Nhlapho – Female bus

• JJ Mbonani – Male bus.