By Theodorah Waga Mawasha
TZANEEN-Skipping red lights at intersections are reported to be the most common causes of accidents with long term life altering repercussions.
In a media briefing held in June, transport minister Fikile Mbalula announced that heavy goods vehicles are now on par with light vehicles and that enforcement is not keeping pace with the growth of traffic and therefore aggravate the cost of the economy.
Reports have further revealed that in the Tzaneen and the Hoedspruit area, heavy duty vehicle drivers have on many occasions been captured on camera footage jumping red lights at intersections prompting other motorists to raise concern over the issue.
Driver negligence, impatience and recklessness are also said to be contributing factors motorists don’t adhere to road rules, particularly stopping at intersections and skipping traffic lights.
“Further regulation of the industry is necessary as these as these trucks are responsible for excessive noise, accidents, pollution and damage to infrastructure. Drivers are cutting corners because of the high fuel costs, labour issues and they don’t do vehicle maintenance”, he announced.
Meanwhile, a truck driver appeared in court in connection with Friday’s horror crash on the N2 in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal, which claimed the lives of 19 children and two adults who were travelling in a bakkie.
Sibusiso Siyaya, 28, appeared in the Pongola Magistrates’ Court on 21 counts of culpable homicide. The community said it had previously raised concerns about reckless truck driving on the N2.
The department said that it plans to regulate overhaul of the current rules around this sector and establish a new road agency specifically aimed at regulating road freight. Moreover, operators are required to register their drivers and prioritize South African employees.
