A ”black box” to assist motorists involved in accidents was unveiled in Johannesburg on Friday.
The accident recorder kit is assembled and packaged by the workers of two NGOs — Services for the Blind and the Association for the Physically Disabled.
It contains first-aid accessories, two emergency blankets, gloves and a yellow ”light stick”.
The kit also contains items essential for the effective recording of an accident, including a camera, as well as the driver’s personal and medical details and Road Accident Fund information.
Danny Cantrell, Drive Time Marketing Services manager and inventor of the black box, said he came up with idea because of the carnage on South African roads and corruption on accident insurance claims.
”This will save motorists from being ripped off and eliminate corruption.”
Cantrell said he had invited insurance companies to the press conference, but they had not attended.
”They do not want to market the kit, as they want to be paid out,” he said.
He said his business will create employment for visually impaired people. For every kit sold, R2 is donated to services for the blind, said Cantrell.
”As a person who was wheelchair-bound, I understand that it is not easy to get a job when you are disabled.”
Cantrell was in a wheelchair for three years and on crutches for four years after a car accident in 1986.
”I was told that I will never walk again because my pelvis was smashed, but look, I am walking. I believe that I’m here for a reason — to save lives.”
The black box will cost motorists about R200.
”It’s inexpensive, and anyone can use it because it’s simple,” Cantrell said.
The box is sealed but the details of the driver can be accessed for minor incidents or to change details when required.
The initiative has been supported by Arrive Alive, demonstrated by its stickers on the black box.
The box idea has also been supported by the Department of Transport, among others.
The Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on community safety in Gauteng, John Moodey, said the kit will reduce road carnage.
”This will go a long way in reducing road accidents and to produce evidence for those who have been falsely accused in accidents.”
Moodey was involved in an accident 10 years ago, which claimed the lives of his wife and 11-year-old child. He and his sister survived.
”I was not in a position to take the evidence, therefore I found it difficult proving that I was not at fault.
”No one wants to take responsibility in accidents. This will help ordinary people to get all the nitty-gritty of the accidents on the scene. I support this wholeheartedly, as it will prevent unscrupulous drivers from getting their way,” Moodey said. — Sapa