South Africa has the second-highest road accident fatality rate in the world, and yet information from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) indicates there could be almost 500 000 professional drivers working without proper documentation.
By Jenny Reid, MD of iFacts, writes that, this past February alone, more than 650 people died on South Africa’s roads. According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the deaths were from 578 crashes recorded between 1 and 27 February. Most of these cases were recorded in Gauteng, with 128 fatal crashes resulting in 136 deaths. KwaZulu-Natal had the second highest number with 94 fatal crashes and 102 deaths.
She says that, while unqualified drivers involved in fatal accidents might be charged with culpable homicide, employers need to take responsibility as well.
“Information from the RTMC indicates that there was a total of 433 973 expired Professional Driving Permits (PrDPs) recorded on the National Traffic Information System on December 31 2014,” says Reid. “This means that of the total number of permits issued, only 56,65% were actually valid.
“Before you employ your next driver, check that he or she is actually legally licensed to drive. Owners of freight and public transport are being warned that they will be held liable for the failure of their drivers to renew their professional driver’s permits.”
Reid adds that, to improve compliance and safety on the roads, the RTMC together with other traffic enforcement agencies have decided to take vigilance up a notch by investigating all major accidents to establish the compliance level of operators. According to Section 50 of the National Traffic Act, traffic authorities have the right to suspend or cancel the license of any operator who has failed to exercise his or her duties in terms of the Act.
“Operators are warned: don’t be surprised if authorities show up at your door unannounced. Inspections will be carried out, offenders with be identified and actions will be taken against those who fail to comply with the law.”
