Mom dies in quad bike accident
2006-08-01 10:26
Durban - Sani Pass claimed the life of a 44-year-old Durban woman in a quad bike accident on Saturday morning.
The accident happened near the South African border post when a Rhino, described as a four-wheel-drive golf cart, overturned.
The trip was run under the auspices of Sani Quad Tours and comprised a group of seven riders, including the guide. It is understood the deceased was a passenger in the Rhino, driven by her 21-year-old daughter.
According to hearsay reports, the driver was looking over her shoulder, when the deceased became concerned, grabbed the steering and over-corrected, causing the Rhino to careen onto the bank before rolling over and pinning her down.
Owner in Afghanistan
It is understood that the deceased was buried on Sunday according to Muslim burial practices.
The accident has reinforced safety concerns about four-wheeled motorcycles in the hands of inexperienced riders on a challenging road surface.
Sani Quad Tours owner Kevin Webster was not available for comment as he is currently working in Afghanistan, according to caretaking manager Jackie Kerwan.
"Kevin only left recently and will be back only in October," she said.
Kirwan said everything possible was done after the accident to assist the family, whom she declined to identify.
Kirwan said the company runs a "safety first" operation that thoroughly familiarises and instructs clients before trips.
"People sign an indemnity form given that quad biking is not a daisy walk and is, in fact, an extreme sport," she said.
Kirwan said all quads are registered and licensed, have their speed governed, and that trips are guided to strict rules.
"Riders are under orders to follow the pace of the tour leader, and not to overtake him," she said. "If they persist after a first and final warning, the keys are taken and the tour is over."
Other tour operators have expressed concern about the legality of quads on a public road, but did not want to comment on the accident.