Reckless TikTok video leads to government action as bus driver faces charges for endangering lives
In a concerning turn of events, the government has taken decisive action after a video went viral on TikTok, showing a driver of a Mzansi Express Bus engaging in reckless behaviour on the road. The driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, was seen speeding while attempting to overtake a haulage truck carrying highly flammable gases, a move that could have had catastrophic consequences.
The video, widely shared on social media platforms, captured the driver’s dangerous maneuvering on a two-way road with only a single lane, putting innocent lives at risk. The driver’s attempt to overtake the haulage truck, despite the lack of visibility and the presence of oncoming traffic, clearly violated road traffic rules and endangered the safety of fellow motorists.
The driver narrowly avoided a collision by swerving to the side and positioning themselves in front of the haulage truck.
However, the haulage truck managed to slow down, preventing an accident.
Taking swift action, Felix Mhona, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, expressed his strong condemnation of the driver’s reckless behaviour. In a statement, Minister Mhona announced that the driver of the cross-border bus would face charges as part of the government’s efforts to curb such negligent driving practices.
“Informed by the foregoing violations and verified videographic evidence, the Ministry will ensure that the driver of the cross-border bus is prosecuted. I have directed that the provisions of the law be implemented dutifully, consistently, and religiously with the view to tame this negligence and recklessness”, said Minister Mhona.
Minister Mhona said the public should be careful while driving to avoid road traffic accidents caused by public service vehicles (PSVs), as there were high numbers in a short period of time that resulted in deaths and injuries to people.
“It is also saddening to note that during the period 15th 26th December 2023 alone, 87 people died and 424 were injured because of road traffic accidents. The nation cannot afford to continue experiencing these incessant road fatalities caused by recklessness and negligence by Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers”, he said.
Minister Mhona urged transport drivers to desist from overspeeding, reckless driving, and neglecting road traffic rules, as the Ministry and the law won’t hesitate to suspend licenses and impose severe penalties against persons found guilty.
“Pursuant to this, I wish to reiterate and warn all Transport Operators, Associations, motorists, and members of the public that the Ministry will take stern measures provided by our laws against those who wantonly and blatantly violate road traffic rules and regulations. The safety and security of all road users cannot be taken for granted. We will not hesitate to suspend and cancel licenses of drivers and operators who violate traffic rules and regulations,” said Minister Mhona.
As the government takes a firm stand against reckless driving, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel. With public safety at stake, it is crucial that all drivers exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent unnecessary loss of life on the roads.
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