Concern over bike safety
Three separate accidents involving motorcycles have occurred this month alone, with one of these accidents costing a young man his life.
POLOKWANE – Three separate accidents involving motorcycles have occurred this month alone, with one of these accidents costing a young man his life.
In the most recent accident, which occurred in Munnik Avenue on the outskirts of the city on Sunday, a motorcycle was incinerated after it caught fire when it collided with the pavement.
According to Jacob Malengwa, who was an eye-witness to this accident, the motorcyclist was doing a wheelie (driving on his back wheel) when he seemingly lost control of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist sustained minor injuries to his hand.
Polokwane fire department members were on the scene within minutes to extinguish the fire.
On Friday, another accident involving a motorcycle occurred in Marshall Street.
According to eye-witnesses as well as the accident report, two young men were travelling on a motorcycle in Marshall Street when a vehicle exiting from the filling station on the corner of Webster and Marshall Street collided with them.
One of the motorcyclists, Tommie Dorey (21) was fatally injured and taken to the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital where he later died.
On Monday, June 16, Hennie Brink was travelling on his motorcycle when an oncoming bakkie collided with him on the corner of Potgieter Avenue and Jorissen Street. Brink sustained serious injuries.
Speaking on behalf of the department of transport, safety, security and liaison, Jimmy Machaka said road accidents involving motorcycles were becoming a major problem as they seemed to be on the increase in the city.
“We urge motorists and members of the public who operate motorcycles to obey the rules of the road and not make themselves guilty of driving under the influence or of reckless driving as this leads to the unnecessary loss of life.
“The department is looking into stricter action being taken when enforcing the law regarding drinking and driving and reckless and negligent driving.
“Understand that there are many people using the roads. Be patient and drive responsibly,” he said.
