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18 Sep 2010

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has conveyed condolences to the families of 22 people killed in a road crash in the Western Cape earlier today (Saturday, 18 September 2010).

According to Western Cape traffic authorities, 22 people were killed and four others injured in a head-on collision between a minibus taxi and a truck on the N1 between Laingsburg and Beaufort West during the early hours of this morning.

The Department of Transport, through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), has dispatched an independent team of accident investigation and reconstruction specialists to assist in the investigation of this crash.

"We want to convey our condolences to the families and friends of those killed in this morning's horrific road crash in the Western Cape. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families during these difficult moments.

"As of 1 October 2010, we will be implementing the new national traffic law enforcement plan, which will see traffic law enforcement officers stopping and checking no less than one million vehicles and drivers every month across South Africa."

Special focus areas include driver fitness (legal documentation, drinking and driving and substance abuse), moving violations (barrier lines, red robots, cell phones, speeding, seatbelts, reckless and negligent driving), public transport vehicles (buses and taxis), vehicles fitness (roadworthiness) and pedestrian safety (drinking and walking).

Key objectives include reducing road crashes, fatalities and serious injuries and changing the perception of road users from "I will not get caught" to "I will be caught and punished".

"Road safety is everybody's business. Let us turn islands of compliance and excellence into a sea of change, a new culture, a new wave of good behaviour and commitment to safer roads in our country. Working together, we can stop this carnage!" said Minister Ndebele.

Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050

Issued by: Department of Transport
18 Sep 2010

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