Pretoria - Motorists who drive unroadworthy vehicles are not only putting their lives at risk, but pose a danger to other road users, says Transport Minister Dipuo Peters.
“When we take to the roads in unroadworthy vehicles, it is a sign of disrespect to others’ lives and our own, and so it is also when we fail to buckle up or fail to use child restraints while driving.
“When we overtake at clearly marked barrier lines and other prohibiting road signals, that is a gross disregard for the law of the country and its citizens, who may die as a result of your recklessness and negligence, and so it is when we drive at high speed in total disregard of the legal speed limit.
“When we take alcohol before we embark on a car journey or while in command of a motor vehicle, then we run the risk of fatal crashes and potential maiming of those we could come into contact with on the road, and so it is when we show impatience to other road users and insult them when they disapprove of our conduct,” she said at the launch of the 2014 Easter Road Safety campaign in Kimberly, Northern Cape.
The minister urged the bus and taxi industries to ensure that their vehicles are safe and reliable.
Easter time usually sees an increased number of families and tourists travelling on the roads to various destinations.
Minister Peters said lamented the fact that lives were lost on the roads. “Sadly, it is this time each year that our roads become pitfalls of tragic loss of human life.”
The minister also urged the public to be everyday road safety ambassadors. - SAnews.gov.za
