The poor condition of vehicles raises the death toll on our roads.
Recent road accidents that left 20 children dead in Bronkhorstspruit and 16 children injured in Durban should be a major wake-up call, said Vishal Premlall, director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association.
“There is no doubt that a major contributor to the fatalities on our roads is the deadly condition of
vehicles. Besides these accidents, we saw 235 people die on our roads over the Easter weekend – a 51% increase over last year’s toll,” said Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi. “Many of these accidents could have been avoided if vehicles were properly serviced.”
Vishal said compulsory roadworthy tests would make a big difference.
“Regular, mandatory roadworthy testing is long overdue. People need to be aware of the condition of the car they drive. Commuters also need assurances that public transport vehicles are being tested often.”
He said it was critical that credible roadworthy testers were used and stricter policing controls made into law. “Even if there are no such laws, we still need to act like as if there are. We must service our vehicles and test their roadworthiness often.”
He said that many workshops, including the workshop association, offered free vehicle checks at different times of the year, especially ahead of the holidays.
“If you are aware, you will repair. But sadly, many South Africans do not to take advantage of these offers. They just drive, endangering themselves and others.
“We need to do what we can to make our roads safer. Making sure your vehicle is roadworthy is a good first step.”
