Transport MEC urges taxi drivers to wear their seatbelts properly
Transport MEC Violet Mathye highlighted that some taxi drivers have been fastening seatbelts behind their backs to give the illusion of compliance with the law.
POLOKWANE – During the launch of October as Transport Month in the Waterberg last Friday, Transport MEC Violet Mathye, revealed concerning practices among some taxi drivers regarding seatbelt use.
Addressing transport stakeholders, including members of the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), Mathye highlighted that some taxi drivers have been fastening seatbelts behind their backs to give the illusion of compliance with the law.
Mathye expressed concern that passengers, already at a high risk of road accidents, might imitate this behaviour.
“Each time they are involved in road crashes, we see a high number of casualties. These crashes are usually caused by recklessness and general disobedience of road safety regulations,” she stated. She called on all public transport drivers to act responsibly to save lives on the roads.
The MEC assured that law enforcement would remain vigilant in dealing with reckless and non-compliant drivers, emphasising that this would not only be a focus during October Transport Month but would continue as the summer festive season approaches.
Frans Kgasago, spokesperson for the NTA in Limpopo, supported Mathye’s call for improved compliance with road rules. He advised all drivers and passengers to prioritise safety by wearing seatbelts properly at all times.
Kgasago cautioned against hitchhiking due to safety risks, advised drivers to rest every two hours on long trips, and stressed that children over three must be seated properly.
“Our members are on the road to monitor compliance with the help of traffic officers, and you will be arrested or fined if found slacking,” Kgasago warned.
