South Africans blame Zimbabwean drivers for recent accidents

Details of the Latest Incident

On Sunday night, a bus operated by Tamuka, travelling from Johannesburg to Zimbabwe, overturned, resulting in the deaths of five passengers. Many others were injured, some severely, according to reports from South African authorities.

This tragic event follows a similar accident the previous Tuesday, where ten passengers lost their lives when another Zimbabwean bus overturned on the N1 highway in Limpopo.

The Limpopo Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Transport and Community Safety has voiced strong concerns, suggesting that negligence on the part of Zimbabwean bus operators is a significant factor in these accidents.

Negligence and Inexperience of Zimbabwean Bus Drivers Highlighted

The MEC pointed out that the driver involved in the recent roundabout incident was new to the job and unfamiliar with the road, which should never have occurred if proper procedures had been followed. New drivers undergo a rigorous induction process, where they are expected to observe and learn from experienced drivers before being allowed to drive alone.

Unfortunately, it appears that some operators are bypassing these critical safety steps to increase revenue, even at the expense of passenger safety.

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Recommendations for Safety Improvements

One immediate solution is to ensure that long-distance buses are equipped with co-drivers. This would allow for shared driving responsibilities and reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents. Moreover, adhering to strict timetables can help manage the speed at which these buses operate, reducing the likelihood of crashes.

Ultimately, bus companies must prioritize the lives of their passengers over profits. By implementing stricter safety protocols and ensuring that all drivers are adequately trained and rested, they can help prevent these tragic accidents and restore confidence in the safety of road travel.