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MEC: Seatbelt could've saved actor's life

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<b>RECKLESS DRIVING IN THE CAPE:</b> A horror crash on the N2, Cape Town led to the death of Cape Town actor Thabang Sidloyi. <i>Image: YouTube</i>
<b>RECKLESS DRIVING IN THE CAPE:</b> A horror crash on the N2, Cape Town led to the death of Cape Town actor Thabang Sidloyi. <i>Image: YouTube</i>
CAPE TOWN - Earlier on Tuesday (Dec 2), Wheels24 reported on the tragic death of Cape Town actor Thabang Sidloyi who was killed in horror crash on the N2, Cape Town on November 28.

Sidloyi was allegedly one of four passengers in a silver BMW convertible and was reportedly killed in the crash.

Western Cape MEC of transport and public works, Donald Grant, issued a statement: "I was saddened to hear of the death of 27-year-old Thabang Sidloyi, a young actor and musician, in a horrific crash on the N2 on Friday (Nov 28) evening."

Grant reports that authorities are investigating the incident.

'SIMPLE ACT OF BUCKLING UP'

He comments: "The video shows the vehicle travelling at a high speed just moments before the fatal collision occurred. Early indications suggest that Sidloyi may have not been buckled up in the vehicle at the time of the crash. This is too often the case in a country with low compliance levels when it comes to restraints.

"Research has shown that increased seat-belt compliance will mean thousands of lives, like Sidloyi’s, that would have otherwise been lost in the horrific crashes that plague our roads, are saved."

"Failure to use a seat belt is a certain route to death or serious injury during collisions. When a motor vehicle crash occurs, the occupants who are not restrained continue to move forward at the same speed at which the vehicle was travelling before the collision.

"They are either catapulted forward into the structure of the vehicle; into other occupants; or ejected from the vehicle to almost certain death. This horror is experienced daily on our roads, with Sidloyi becoming the latest victim, and can often be avoided by the simple act of buckling up."

HORROR CRASH

The video shows the silver BMW clearly speeding. A white vehicle is seen in the far left lane when the BMW attempts to cut in front of the silver Kia Picanto in the centre lane. The driver of the BMW clips the Picanto, loses control and crashes into the road-side barrier.

Sidloyi was allegedly flung out of the car, clearly not wearing a seatbelt, and lands ahead of the vehicle, which came to a screeching halt.

HOLIDAY CLAMPDOWN

Grant adds that the Western Cape will intensify efforts to curb irresponsible driving as the 2014/2015 holiday period approaches.

Grant said: "The Western Cape Government extends its deepest condolences to Sidloyi’s family and loved ones. As tragic and senseless as road deaths are, they are also avoidable through responsible road use. Excessive speeds, alcohol consumption, and not buckling up, continue to be the biggest killers on our roads.

"I appeal to all road users to exercise extreme caution as our roads are set to get busier and busier over the upcoming festive season. We will be clamping down on reckless and irresponsible road use over this period, and ask all road users to join us as we tackle this scourge, and continue to ensure that fewer lives are lost on our roads as a result."

Click on the gif below to view the clip (Warning: graphic imagery)

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