Road crashes a major concern – MEC intervenes

LIMPOPO - Road crashes in Limpopo have become a serious concern to the department of transport. Stray animals crossing the road are amongst the causes of road crashes in the province. This was addressed by the Limpopo MEC of transport at a gathering held at the Mahwelereng Stadium Friday where a resolution to curb road crashes in the province was announced.
MEC Mapula Mokaba-Phukwana and other delegates of municipalities in the region attended the gathering where it was announced that 4 000 reflective animal neck collars were distributed to livestock owners to curb road crashes in the province.
The MEC’s resolution followed recurring road crashes along the N11 and the R518 involving stray animals all over the provincial roads. The MEC indicated that the collars have contributed positively towards the reduction of road crashes caused by stray animals since the department’s initiative in 2009. She added that the department has to date distributed approximately 150 000 reflective animal collars to livestock owners since 2009.
Mokaba-Phukwana said the Road Safety Unit engaged livestock owners with different programmes including education, which is also assisting a lot.
“Stray animals contribute adversely in contrast to our attempt to fulfill road safety mandate, and the department alone cannot effectively address the challenge of road crashes caused by these animals.
“The composition of uncontrolled stock which poses a challenge to road safety is 654 104 for cattle and 28 167 for donkeys and the total for both cattle and Donkeys is 682 271,” said Mokaba-Phukwana.”There is a need for the public to utilize the call centre to facilitate the removal of stray animals from the road before they cause accidents. There is a need to revitalise the functional animal pounds. Identification marking of stock should be done on all stock for easy trace of the owners of the animals so that they can be held liable for damage caused,” she added.
Mokaba-Phukwana however indicated that the main causes of road carnage are human factor, vehicle fitness and road conditions which are addressed through enforcement, road maintenance, education and awareness.
Mogalakwena municipality Mayor Parks Sebatjane said: “We are aware of the road accidents which occur on the R518 and N11, mainly over weekends. We appeal to the road users, particularly our youth, to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol and also to avoid driving at a high speed.”
“Pedestrians should at all times cross the road only when it is safe to do so and must wear reflective clothing, especially at night. The community should take care of their livestock and collect the reflective neck belts at the offices of the Department of Transport. Road users must always be on a high alert when on use of the above mentioned roads as recently we are encountering more accidents on our major roads and streets due to increased volumes of traffic pedestrians,” Sebatjane concluded.