OPERATION SEKWANELE TARGETS TRUANT TRUCKERS

The recent spate of road crashes involving trucks in KwaZulu-Natal has led to the introduction of a Special Operation to reduce the number of crashes involving heavy vehicles. These crashes not only result in death and injury but also cost the country millions of rands in revenue lost.

In 1996 it was found that between 20 and 30 percent of all heavy vehicles were overloaded, causing damage in the order of R500 million to roads per year. The latest figures indicate that the estimated damage to the road network is now thought to be around R800 and R900 million per annum. It is further estimated that the percentage of overloaded trucks on the road network has increased to between 30 and 40 percent.

It is also estimated that annually, the country loses just over R14 billion due to road crashes. KwaZulu-Natal, specifically, looses over R2 billion, putting an extra strain on the already scarce national resources.

Over the past week 308 heavy motor vehicle drivers were prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit, 168 heavy vehicles were found to have defective rear lamps and head lamps, and 88 truck drivers were prosecuted for tyres with insufficient tread since the start of "Operation SEKWANELE" last week. One driver was arrested for driving a truck at 114 kilometres per hour - 24 kilometres above the prescribed speed limit for heavy vehicles. Another driver was arrested for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and drivers were charged for 263 various other traffic offences.

As part of this Operation, a group of twelve specially trained Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers have been tasked to conduct speed checks and routine roadblocks at identified locations during periods when these collisions are most prevalent. These locations include Mooi River, Mount West, Balgowan, Merrivale, Townhill, Peacevale and Shongweni.

KZN Transport Department Head, Dr Kwazi Mbanjwa says contributory factors to the majority of these crashes are long driving hours and lack of sleep.

"Many accidents, often fatal, are attributed to brake failure, burst tyres and other vehicle defects. Too many times fingers are pointed at truck drivers. However, transport managers and owners are not fulfilling their duties with regard to the roadworthiness of vehicles as required in terms of section 49 of the Road Traffic Act," says Mbanjwa.

The department is aware of the fact that due to the hurry to stock up for the forthcoming Christmas holidays, there is great pressure on the freight industry to deliver more goods than usual. However, that is no reason for trucking companies to put drivers under pressure forcing them to work overtime dangerously.

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