When will the accidents stop?

The accident mentioned did not have anything to do with public holidays or trips away – but the untimely death of the driver and passengers really makes one think about the way motorists drive, especially when they are in holiday mode.

While investigations are still underway, speculation regarding the speed the bus was travelling at the time of the incident has come under the spotlight. The tests and training bus drivers undergo, or the lack thereof, has also been highlighted, with many questioning what can be done to prevent another accident like this from occurring.

I am of the view that truck, taxi and bus drivers need to undergo strict tests on a regular basis and that advanced driving courses need to be offered to all heavy duty and public transport drivers – on the employer’s dime.

Accidents are more often than not, avoidable, but it seems that only once a death has occurred and the public voices their outrage does a conversation start and measures appear to be put in place.

Daily we see vehicles on Joburg roads that, if we are honest, should be impounded. Our taxis and buses are overcrowded, brakes fail on a regular basis and the pressure placed on drivers in tremendous.

When things go wrong, the companies involved are always quick to blame the driver, however, does that driver have a voice within the company? Can he truly tell his employer that he refuses to drive a particular vehicle because it is not up to scratch?

Yes, drivers should not overload vehicles, and yes, they need to take some responsibility, but not all. Fines should be handed to companies when their vehicles are spotted in a bad condition.

More needs to be done so fewer people die!

I don’t know what the solutions are, but I do know we need them and we need them now. Let’s not wait for the next accident to occur and then the government makes more empty statements with no action.

Do you agree? Should fines be issued to transport companies rather than drivers? Share your views in the comments section below