BMW, Mercedes drivers are worst

2005-01-07 10:51

Liela Magnus

People who drive BMW and Mercedes Benz cars cause the majority of accidents on South African roads.

Wendy Watson, spokesperson for the Arrive Alive campaign, told the media on Thursday that men between the ages of 18 and 35 who drive these makes of cars were the drivers who took the biggest risks.

They were also more likely to drive while under the influence of alcohol, speed and overtake illegally. The department of transport made these findings after analysing statistics of speeding drivers in KwaZulu-Natal.

Watson said there is also a growing trend among women who like the adrenalin rush of breaking the rules of the road.

Road deaths did not increase

Watson announced the findings at a media conference where Wrenelle Stander, director general of the department of transport, discussed the holiday traffic and statistics related to road accidents in 2004.

Stander said the department would not tolerate drivers taking chances this year.

She said the preliminary figures for December showed a drop in the number of fatal accidents over the past year. "Indications are that the number of road fatalities for December will be the same as it was in December 2003 despite an increase in vehicle ownership and a 6.25% increase in traffic volumes over the same period."

Stander said it was nonetheless disappointing that the lives of more people could not be saved.

Watson said the department sent about 1 000 letters to traffic offenders who were spotted by registered traffic observers over the festive season.

About 90% of these people apparently thanked the department and said the letters were useful because they were not necessarily aware of breaking the law. Watson said the other 10%, often people in senior positions in business, were less accommodating.

Stander said the department would make more breathalysers and vehicle verification kits available to traffic officials this year.

Watson added that children would soon be learning more at school about road safety. More than 10 000 teachers will apparently attend workshops and receive learning material to educate children on safe use of the road.

- Beeld