Speed and bad attitude on our roads kill people
While we are still trying to come to terms with the Kroonstad train tragedy, it’s important that we reflect on our conduct on the roads.
It’s been reported that a truck driver involved in the crash was trying to beat the train at a level crossing.
It is also worth reminding ourselves of another accident that claimed the lives of 19 school pupils and a taxi driver in Bronkhorstspruit last year.
Even then, witnesses said the driver of the school transport was speeding.
South African taxi drivers have extremely bad reputations among road users.
They seem to have reclassified themselves as emergency workers. As a result, other motorists have no business being on the roads.
When Sibusiso Ndebele was still minister of transport, he considered changing the maximum speed on the freeways from 120km/h to 100km/h.
That wouldn’t have helped. There are motorists who make you feel like you’re dawdling while travelling at 120km/h. We are speed freaks.
Both the Bronkhorstspruit and Kroonstad crashes would have been easily avoided if people were patient and considerate on the roads.
Until we change our attitudes completely, we’re still going to lose many people through road accidents. Richardson Mzaidume
Pimville