In the wake of soccer player Gift Leremi’s death, the Department of Transport said the number of fatalities on the roads needed to be addressed.
”The department is very concerned about the high number of crashes and the resultant fatalities experienced lately on our roads,” it said in a statement expressing its ”shock” over the soccer player’s accident.
The Mamelodi Sundowns player was killed on Monday night when he lost control of his car and was flung out of the vehicle in Alberton, south of Johannesburg.
”Our condolences go to Leremi’s family and the many other families, friends and relatives who have lost their loved ones due to road accidents,” the department said.
It said public passenger transport would receive attention to address issues of both driver and vehicle safety.
The department urged motorists to always wear seatbelts; drive with headlights on, even during the day; make sure there was enough tread on the tyres; keep windshield wipers in a good condition and make sure lights and reflectors were clean.
Motorists were also asked to adjust their speed and following distance to the conditions on the road. – Sapa