'Do not dice with death'
2002-03-25 22:11
Durban - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, S'bu Ndebele, has called on
all motorists in the province to stop dicing with death by taking
part in drag races.
The MEC's call comes in the wake of an increasing number of
road deaths, especially those of youngsters, attributed to drag
racing. In addition to this, he says, it seems as if most of the vehicles that are
used in drag races are powered by highly explosive fuel and are
illegally modified to reach high speeds.
In the latest incident, a young Phoenix man and his passenger died
in Durban at the weekend when the vehicle in which they were travelling
burst into flames in a crash which police say was linked to drag
racing.
"Drag racing, especially in the greater Durban Metropolitan Area,
is a growing problem and cause for concern especially when the
lives of young people are just plucked away, merely because of an
obsession for speed.
"Law enforcement officers will go all out to
stop this dangerous pastime and will deal with these culprits
harshly, including suspending and impounding their vehicles," Ndebele said.
"We will also liase with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to
ensure that stiff sentences are meted out to those who are guilty
of this irresponsible type of behaviour," the MEC said.
- SAPA