A fatal accident waiting to happen

TRAVELLING to Richards Bay from Empangeni today (Monday), there was a bakkie with around 15 children on the back.

The tailgate was open, and their legs were hanging down – their feet almost touching the tarmac. Half of the children were sitting on the edge, and the others standing – a very dangerous situation.

A local municipal traffic officer parked in the opposite lane at the KFC rail junction merely hooted a warning and turned his back – but did not follow the vehicle.

I followed alongside the vehicle and, thanks to the driver in another car, our persistent gesturing got the message through to the youngsters on the bin, who pulled their legs up and away from the road, before closing the tailgate.

We continued to follow the vehicle to the eSikhaleni turn off – and although the tailgate was closed, there were still several youngsters standing in the rear bin, dancing on the back of the vehicle.

At one stage the bakkie was travelling at a 100 km/h.

We then wonder why 15 youths are killed in one bakkie accident?

Is the owner of this vehicle a responsible driver and can he take the liability of killing school children?

Let’s take responsibility for what we do.

ANGEL EYE