“We are aware that one of our coaches was unsuccessful at the Mthatha Vehicle Testing station, and have read various erroneous reports. The officials at the testing station indicated that there was a problem with the airbags which influences the suspension and that the emergency brakes failed. However, as per Volvo specifications there are no handbrakes only service brakes on the tag axle” says Joe Mushwana, Chief Operating Officer at SA Roadlink.
The vehicle was kept back until the electrical fault were repaired. SA Roadlink immediately disbursed an electrician from Durban to attend to the matter, since there was no electrician available in Mthatha. There were 26 passengers on the 68-seater coach en route from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg. SA Roadlink provided alternative means of transport for passengers to their destination.
The electrician repaired the vehicle; the coach in question passed the test and was released.
According to Arrive Alive spokesperson Tsepo Machaea, more than 900 people have been killed on South African roads since the start of the festive season. “We have been following a carefully executed safety strategy since earlier this year and put specific measures in place for the 2010 festive season. Unfortunately we had one incident earlier this month when a SA Roadlink tried to avoid an oncoming truck near Kroonstad, where we had one fatality. The driver of the truck failed to stop and fled the accident scene”.
“It should be clear to all and sundry that at SA Roadlink we are doing our utmost to ensure the safety of our passengers,” says Mr Mushwana.