Footage recently released on social media captures a chilling chain of events on a Durban highway in January — a sequence that unfolded so quickly it should make every driver acutely aware of what reckless driving really costs. Three people paid the ultimate cost with their lives.
The clip shows how the actions of the driver caused a bakkie to leave the road and cross a centre island and multiple lanes of traffic. The bakkie slams into oncoming trucks before erupting in flames. Another truck is caught in the chaos, causing it to also cross into oncoming traffic. Currently, the driver responsible is yet to be found and charged.
It is easy to just think about reckless driving as an abstract concept: a bad habit, a statistic, or a newspaper headline. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says, “Instead, the Durban footage shows something far more visceral: the precise moment when a reckless decision while driving ended the lives of three people. Beyond the tragedy, there are financial and operational consequences too.
“Reckless driving is a choice drivers often make – and repeat. In the heat of the moment, it is easy to justify, being in a hurry, others driving too slowly, or a temper loss. Many times, drivers often escape the consequences of reckless decisions but the footage shows how devastating it can be if it catches up to you.”
Allowing rage to rule one’s decisions on the road is a particularly reckless decision to make. “It is one of the most dangerous emotional states in which to drive. A temper lost at 120km/h can cause not only you but others to lose their lives. The consequences extend far beyond the heated moment itself.
“Aggressive driving reduces time to react, increases impact force, shortens stopping distances and blinds you to risky situations which all contribute to the seriousness of crashes that result. Yet, in the grip of anger, drivers can become blind to these risks.”
The tragedy of reckless driving lies in its senselessness: lives are altered or lost not because of an unavoidable hazard, but because someone chose to let their emotions take the wheel. “Incidents like this one – with footage – emphasise the needless consequences of choosing to drive recklessly with three lives.”
“Every time you get behind the wheel, make an effort to remain calm. Find ways to stay calm throughout a trip because reckless driving is not a victimless crime committed in a vacuum. The true cost is measured in loss and tragedy. MasterDrive extends their condolences to those affected by this tragedy,” says Herbert.
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