Shongwe was speaking after an operation that he participated in last night on the N4 toll road in Schoemanskloof towards Mbombela.

He laments that some truck drivers especially at night, tend to speed excessively and without due consideration to drivers of other vehicle types.

Shongwe has recently observed about eight trucks driving closely behind each other on a single lane portion on the same route, making it difficult for other motorists to manoeuvre or overtake. The MEC was travelling from Middelburg to Mbombela at the time.

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“Such tendencies breed impatience among drivers, and it may lead to serious crashes. The truck industry is a critical part of our economy. Many truckers are careful on our roads. However, some are inclined to reckless driving especially at night. We have seen some of them breaking the rules, not stopping at intersections and overtaking dangerously among others.”

“We are therefore appealing to truckers and owners to ensure that they play their part in road safety. They should refrain from the bad driver behavior that often endangers the lives of other road users,” said the MEC.

He has also called on various trucking organizations and unions representing truck drivers to inculcate a sense of responsible driving among employees.

He also encouraged long-distance drivers to plan their trips in such a way that they rest sufficiently along the way.

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He also mentioned that the department will continue to engage with the industry to raise road safety awareness on an ongoing basis as part of its road safety education strategy.

The MEC has also called on law enforcement officers to show no mercy to any driver breaking the rules especially as the Festive Season is nearing.

During last night’s operation, members of the Traffic Intervention Unit (TIU) stopped about 296 vehicles which include 171 heavy motor vehicles.

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Several summonses were issued for moving violations such as overtaking on a barrier line as well as vehicle defects that include worn-out tires and faulty lights.