While some people were still busy celebrating the start of the new year, families were mourning the loss of six people who were killed in a crash on the N1 highway near Laingsburg in the Western Cape.
According to News24, the Toyota Quantum minibus was travelling in the direction of Cape Town when it crashed into a concrete barrier on New Year’s Day at around 4:45am. Nine people out of the 15 occupants were injured in the accident.
This tragic incident follows the death of five young women who were killed in a crash on the R60 between Worcester and Roberston in the Boland. One person was injured.
Paramedics, SAPS and Firefighters SA said preliminary investigations suggest that the driver of the Toyota Yaris wanted to make a u-turn, but did so in front of the heavy motor vehicle, resulting in the truck crashing into the small car.
Arrive Alive outlines tips on how to drive with caution this summer holiday season:
- Do not push yourself or your vehicle past the limit.
- Drive within the speed limit to reduce the wear on your vehicle and practice safe driving habits.
- Combat driver fatigue by taking frequent breaks, and paying attention to your vehicle’s warning signs.
- Keep an eye on the temperature gauge: If your vehicle’s temperature gauge starts to tick up out of control, you need to get help, as your engine is at risk of overheating. If your gauge is in or near the red zone, you have to stop driving, as your engine is overheated.
- Look out for potholes.
- Do not overload your car.
- Drive with caution in areas of road construction and watch for workers on the road.
- Watch for more vulnerable road users and keep an eye out for bikes and motorcycles.
- Be cautious when overtaking trailers, caravans and tractors.
Also read:
Five young locals have been killed in a car crash
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