Traffic law enforcement has been called on to reinforce measures on drunk driving after a horrific accident left five people dead on the N2, near Umtentweni last Sunday.

This directive comes from KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni.

According to her office, the preliminary reports had revealed that the driver of one of the vehicles, lost control while overtaking on a barrier line and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle.

Further investigations had revealed that the same driver was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Two more vehicles were involved in the accident.

Five people were declared dead on the scene and six were critically injured and taken to various hospitals.

Nkonyeni is concerned that road users continue to ignore the rules of the road.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident, which could have been easily avoided had the driver adhered to the rules of the road. The department is always preaching the gospel of road safety and those who continue to disobey the rules of the road unfortunately always end with fatal consequences,” she said.

MEC Nkonyeni said that as the festive season approaches, the department appeals to road users to be extra cautious and practise patience to avoid unnecessary deaths.

“We cannot afford to lose lives due to recklessness, and that simply means our law enforcement will be beefed up to hit hard on those who are law breakers. Those who continue to break the rules of the road will be dealt with harshly. On behalf of the government, I send my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” she said.

The department will be intensifying law enforcement officers on the roads to ensure all motorists adhere to traffic laws.

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