By Nkosana Khumalo
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who tragically lost their lives in two separate motor vehicle accidents over the weekend. These accidents have once again underscored the growing concern over road safety in the province, as a total of 17 lives were lost, with numerous others critically injured.
The first accident occurred on the R622 Mooi Plaza on Greytown Road, involving a devastating head-on collision between two vehicles. This crash claimed the lives of 11 people, marking one of the deadliest accidents in the region in recent months. The second incident took place on the R74 Kranskop Road, where a taxi crash resulted in the death of six people and left 10 others critically injured. Emergency responders were quick to arrive at both scenes, and investigations are ongoing to determine the causes of these tragic events.
Premier Ntuli, deeply saddened by the loss of life, stated, “I would like to extend my profound condolences to the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives due to a fatal head-on collision, which took place on the R622, R74 and N2. It is heartbreaking that we continue to mourn the loss of loved ones as a result of road carnage.”
Investigations Underway
The exact causes of these accidents remain under investigation, with crash scene analysts and law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to uncover what led to these devastating collisions. The authorities have yet to release official reports, but early indications suggest that speeding, reckless driving, and fatigue may have played a role. However, until all facts are determined, Premier Ntuli has urged caution and patience as investigators complete their assessments.
The Importance of Daylight Driving and Caution on the Roads
As road carnage continues to claim lives across South Africa, Premier Ntuli emphasised the importance of daylight driving, particularly for long-distance journeys. According to road accident statistics, a significant number of fatal crashes occur at night, when visibility is reduced, and drivers are more prone to fatigue.
Ntuli reiterated this point, stating, “I advise South African motorists to exercise great caution when driving at night. Road accident statistics continue to highlight to us that a lot of fatal crashes occur in the nighttime. I would therefore like to continue to echo the importance of daytime driving, especially for long-distance travels.”
His message is part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness about road safety and encourage responsible driving habits among South Africans. Ntuli’s call for daytime driving aims to reduce the risks associated with poor visibility and driver fatigue, both of which are more common during night-time travel.
Strengthening Law Enforcement on KwaZulu-Natal Roads
As the province grapples with the aftermath of these horrific accidents, Premier Ntuli also addressed the need for stronger law enforcement measures on KwaZulu-Natal’s roads. He called on all road safety agencies and traffic officials to increase their presence on the roads, particularly during high-traffic periods.
Ntuli emphasised the need for enhanced visibility of traffic enforcement, saying, “The loss of life due to road accidents is unacceptable, and we must do everything in our power to prevent it. I call upon all law enforcement agencies to strengthen their efforts and work together to ensure that our roads are safe for everyone.”
In addition, Ntuli urged law enforcement agencies to step up efforts to curb speeding, reckless driving, and other traffic violations that contribute to the high number of road fatalities. He appealed to motorists to comply with traffic laws and respect the rules of the road, especially during peak travel periods when accidents are more frequent.
Addressing Road Safety Concerns Across the Province
The recent accidents have renewed calls for urgent action to address road safety in KwaZulu-Natal, a province that has seen a rise in road fatalities in recent years. In 2023 alone, more than 1,300 road fatalities were recorded across the province, making it one of the most dangerous regions for motorists in the country. The Premier’s remarks highlight the government’s ongoing commitment to reducing these alarming statistics and creating safer roads for all South Africans.
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