Dashcam footage has emerged showing a bakkie overtaking in front of an oncoming tractor pulling a cane trailer on the R66 about 5 kilometres from Pongola towards Vryheid.
From the video, the bakkie can be seen driving side by side with an articulated truck attempting to overtake it. A tractor is approaching from the other side and as they get closer to each other, the bakkie driver realises he will not make it safely back to his lane. He then swerves off to the right-hand side leaving the road and passes oncoming vehicles on the right-hand side.
It was reported that the bakkie was fully loaded with passengers which brings back memories of the horrific Pongola crash where a scholar transport bakkie collided with a side tipper truck. 20 people were killed in the accident.
The Pongola community has since mobilised resources to monitor the situation on the N2. A few drivers caught up on the wrong side of the law have been suspended and others fired after disciplinary hearings.
SA Trucker urges truck drivers to drive cautiously especially as the festive season approaches. An increase in the number of vehicles on the highways means an increase in the number of crashes. Rest whenever you can and never drive fatigued!
