Deputy Speaker, 20 people have been confirmed dead in a horror smash that occurred in the Karoo this morning. This tragic loss of life happened while traffic authorities are in the process of setting up strategies to manage the increased volume of traffic during the upcoming festive season. Driver negligence is one of the main causes of such accidents. A driver who causes an accident because he allows his vehicle to run out of fuel and is then unable to pull his vehicle completely off the road must be held accountable for the accident he has caused.
We appeal to drivers to plan their routes thoroughly, to keep enough fuel in their vehicles to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, and to stop and rest before fatigue sets in.
The IFP extends its sincere condolences to the families of all the victims of this terrible accident, who must face the upcoming festive season without their loved ones. We can only hope and pray that drivers start taking responsibility for their actions so that the carnage on our roads ends.