The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) has raised alarm over a troubling spike in road fatalities and serious injuries, calling for immediate and collective action from all road users. This week alone, a series of tragic incidents have highlighted the desperate need for heightened road safety measures.

Among the most harrowing incidents was a devastating bus accident on March 11, near Johannesburg, which resulted in the untimely deaths of at least 14 individuals, while leaving 45 others injured. Eyewitness reports indicate that some passengers were violently ejected when the bus overturned on the highway.

Just a day later, a school bus collided with a truck at the intersection of Blackreef Road and Dekema Road in Wadeville, Germiston, further underscoring the perilous state of road safety in the region.

Earlier in the week, the N2 highway in KwaZulu-Natal became the scene of another tragedy, claiming the lives of eight people, including that of a young child. The week began grimly with a collision between a bus and a truck on the N6 in the Free State, where ten lives were taken, leaving families shattered and communities mourning.

“We at the AA are heartbroken over each life lost on our roads because every single one represents a family, a friend, or a loved one,” said the association in a statement, highlighting the pressing issue of poor driver behaviour, which remains the chief cause of these tragedies.

They emphasize the shared responsibility of all road users, drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians, in ensuring road safety.

“Unless every road user takes accountability for their actions, the distressing situation of road safety in our country will remain unchanged,” the AA implored.

The association proposed a unified call to action, urging South Africans to:

Enhance Enforcement: Strengthen law enforcement to deter reckless and negligent driving.
Public Awareness: Amplify road safety campaigns to educate the public about responsible road usage.
Infrastructure Improvements: Invest in safer road designs and maintenance to reduce accident-prone areas, including adding barricade bus lanes.

MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, also extended its condolences and called for patience on the roads.

Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, stated, “The Union’s thoughts and prayers are also with the 45 injured people who have been taken to various hospitals, while some are still stuck in and under the bus. Our roads should not claim lives like this; drivers should always be cautious, particularly bus drivers carrying large numbers of people.”

Keyter further urged road users to exercise patience during adverse weather conditions.

Supporting their claims, the Motor Traffic Management Corporation reported that over five years, buses were involved in 323 fatal crashes in South Africa, resulting in 487 fatalities, with Gauteng recording a staggering 76 bus accident fatalities.

“Let us always proceed with caution and patience,” added Keyter.

In response to these tragic occurrences, Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, pledged to intensify road safety measures across public roads. She emphasized the crucial need for all road users to adhere to traffic regulations and avoid reckless driving, stating, “We have committed to supporting the survivors and the families of those who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. We will continue to cooperate fully with authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the crash. We need to strengthen our road safety campaigns and continue to advocate for road awareness throughout the year.”

Saturday Star

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za