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Transport Minister Ms. Dipuo Peters has called on road users to be more vigilant and exercise extra caution on the roads as the festive season fast approaches.

Minister Peters says due to the end of the year rise in traffic volumes, chances of car crashes increase.

"Coupled with the recent persistent rains, road conditions require motorists to exercise patience and stay focused on the job at hand.

Persistent rains result in slippery and damaged roads, leading to difficulties in driving. Therefore those entrusted with the critical responsibility of driving cannot afford to take their eyes off the ball," says Minister Peters.

The Minister has also called on vehicle manufactures and post-crash investigators/experts to probe latest crashes where vehicles burnt down. Seven people died when a bakkie collided with a sedan on the N2 south at Dokodweni, Kwa-Zulu Natal yesterday (22 November 2014). Both vehicles burnt but as a result of the crash.

"Organisations with research capacity and relevant expertise such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); and experts in the motor-manufacturing and petroleum industries should look into incidents wherein vehicles burn on impact," says Minister Peters.

In another major crash reported yesterday, seven people (five adults and two babies) died after a minibus taxi and a sedan were involved in a T-Bone type of a collision on the R26 between Reitz and Bethlehem in the Free State.

Minister Peters says the sudden loss of 14 lives cannot be considered normal by any measure. She extends her sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families of those who perished in these and other crashes, wishing those who sustained injuries a speedy recovery.

The Department of Transport, provincial government of the Free State and road safety state institutions and stakeholders will unveil the 2014 road safety festive season campaign in Harrismith, Free State on Friday, 28 November 2014.

Issued by Department of Transport