In view of the alarmingly high rate of road accidents in KwaZulu- Natal, the Inkatha Freedom Party calls for an immediate & drastic change of attitude to stem the increasing number of road fatalities. This follows the horror crash which claimed the lives of 8 people on the N2 Ezingolweni when a bakkie collided with a truck last week Monday.
“Far too many lives have been lost on our province’s roads as a consequence of negligent driving, speeding, a blatant disregard for rules of the road as well as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The reckless actions of drivers have resulted in many fatalities and it is imperative for drivers to change their attitudes and be cognisant of the fact that their irresponsible attitude is risking the lives of innocent people,” said IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Transport Mr Steven Moodley MPL.
“Though traffic laws are in place, it needs to be stringently and effectively implemented. There is a need to review penalties by increasing fines and imposing jail terms as a deterrent to reckless driving. It has been found that sudden deviation or swerving is the single highest cause of collisions as in most cases drivers are simply not bothered to use their indicator. It is this type of behaviour that risks lives and is born out of ignorance, carelessness or sheer disregard for rules,” continued Hon Moodley.
“We are aware that many young drivers are casualties on our province’s roads as there are too many reports of yet another young life snuffed out in an accident. Many attempts to drastically reduce the death toll have failed. Let us focus on improving the attitudes if the young driver through the young driver road safety system . A young drivers attitude is different to their older counterparts and programmes must target social media to drive home the message that Road safety begins with all of us,” concluded Hon Moodley.
The IFP will continue to work hand in hand with government to ensure more stringent steps are taken to minimise road fatalities.
Issued by:
Hon. Steven Moodley MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson on Transport
072 0866 784