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Easter crash-stats: Menace of unroadworthy cars

JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng - Unroadworthy vehicles were one of the main factors that led to 193 deaths on South African roads over the 2014 Easter holiday.

National transport minister Dipuo Peters reported that, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation's preliminary figures, 148 crashes were recorded from April 17-21 2014 and 193 people were killed.

Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association, Les McMaster, said this highlights the importance of ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy.

'BATTLE AGAINST ROAD CARNAGE'

The minister said: "Road safety, first and foremost, is an individual road user's responsibility. Once this notion is lost the battle against road carnage is undermined.

"The carnage we continue to experience on our roads is instigated by a number of factors mostly embedded in human behaviour and vehicle factor."

She listed contributing factors within drivers' control, one of which was roadworthiness.

McMaster said: "For peace of mind, a roadworthy certificate can be obtained from any private or public vehicle testing station."

The test must review:

• Identification and documentation.
• Electrical systems.
• Fittings and equipment (including mirrors, seat belts).
• Brakes, wheel rims and tyres.
• Suspension and steering.
• Engine, exhaust, transmission.
• Instrumentation.

McMaster added: "If these aspects of your vehicle are checked and given a green light the chance of breakdown or a crash due to the compromised condition of your car is greatly reduced.

"When you drive an unroadworthy vehicle you risk the lives of your passengers, other road users and yourself. Compromising the condition of your motor car is not a good practice."
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