The Road Traffic Management Corporation has sent a team of crash scene investigators to the Eastern Cape province to begin a probe into a major collision that claimed fourteen lives this morning.
This collision occurred when a minibus crashed head-on with an SUV at approximately 05:30
on the N9 between Graaff-Reinett and Middelburg,Eastern Cape Province.
Six people who travelled in the SUV eight occupants from the Minibus died instantly on the scene. Eleven person from the were transported to hospital. It has been established that the SUV was travelling from Middelburg to Graaff-Reinett and the Minibus was travelliin the opposite direction towards Middelburg, when they collided head on. The cause of the crash is unknown and is subject to the ongoing investigation.
The RTMC calls on motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads at this time of the year.
Those driving long distances should take regular stops to avoid fatigue. Fatigue is one of the leading contributors to road accidents, with research showing that drowsy and distracted drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in collisions. Drivers should or prioritise rest, especially before long-distance driving. The average adult should aim for eight hours of sleep.Fatigue is worsened by distractions, such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems while driving.
The use of alcohol is also a major factor behind road crashes around this time of the year.
About 766 drivers have been arrested for drunken driving since the start of Festive Season Road Safety campaign on December 1.
Close to 100 000 traffic fines have been issued for various infringements of traffic violations while 2 1 54 vehicle were discontinued because of defects and 2397 public transport vehicles were impounded for violations of operator permits.
Law enforcement officers will continue to maintain a strong presence on the roads throughout this period and those who disregard the rules of the road will held to account.