Overloaded taxis death on wheels

OVERLOADING of minibus taxis is nothing new but the flagrant disregard for passengers’ safety was taken to new heights on Friday when 38 schoolchildren were crammed into a 15-seater vehicle like proverbial sardines.

There can be absolutely no excuse for such negligence and blatant contempt for the law and human life than jamming taxi carriers – which serve as the only public transport option at times – to way beyond their capacity like this.

To top it all, the transgression took place at the end of Child Protection Week – an irony which would be laughable if it weren’t so deadly serious.

We only have to recall the tragedy of numerous fatal accidents – often with children involved – in which overloading has been one of the chief factors contributing to a higher death toll.

The devil-may-care attitude of such irresponsible road users is summed up by that displayed by the driver of the overloaded taxi on Port Elizabeth’s M4 who, in the act, sped past two patrolling traffic officers – which thankfully led to his undoing.

The owner of the vehicle now fears losing his road permit – even though, as he says, he himself did not break the law – and will have to convince the licensing board not to confiscate it.

But taxi operators know the rules – and it is critical that the drivers of their vehicles know them too and stick to them. Or face the chop.

By not guaranteeing their drivers will adhere to the law and indeed take extra precautions when transporting children, taxi owners are equally culpable.

Otherwise there is little point to a road permit if the holder can simply wash his or her hands free of a crime by virtue of the fact they were not behind the wheel.

Crucial too is the need for passengers – even very young ones – to protect themselves.

It is often difficult to temper the zeal of school children – in this instance, their only big concern was being late for a test – but it must be constantly impressed upon them how dangerous it is to travel in an overcrowded vehicle.

It is a sad reality, but if the driver is not looking out for them, then that becomes their job.