MEDIA STATEMENT

STOP DICING WITH DEATH

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S'bu Ndebele has called on all motorists in the province to stop dicing with death by taking part in drag races.

The Minister's call comes in the wake of an increasing number of road deaths, especially those of youngsters attributed to drag racing. Furthermore, it seems as if most of the vehicles that are used in drag races are powered by highly explosive fuel and are illegally modified to reach high speeds.

In the latest incident which occurred on Sunday (24/03/2001) in Umgeni Road, Durban, a young Phoenix man and his passenger died horrific deaths when the vehicle in which they were travelling burst into flames in a crash which police say was linked to drag racing.

"Drag racing, especially in the greater Durban Metropolitan Area and the Port Shepstone area, is a growing problem and cause for concern especially when the lives of young people are just plucked away merely because of an obsession for speed. Drag racing is illegal in terms of the Road Traffic Act and I have called upon the KwaZulu-Natal Co-ordinating Traffic Committee to immediately come up with a strategy to deal with this sickness.

Law enforcement officers will go all out to stop this  dangerous pastime and will deal with these culprits harshly, including suspending and impounding their vehicles. We will also liase with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to ensure that stiff sentences are meted out to those who are guilty of this irresponsible type of behaviour," Minister Ndebele said.


 

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