By Buffalo City Reporter
29 April 2008

THE increase in the number of road accidents involving heavy vehicles is cause for concern at the provincial department of roads and transport.

In response, the department, in partnership with departments in other provinces and the private sector, decided to improve the skills of the drivers of these vehicles. This is done through an annual Driver of the Year competition, held in all provinces.

"The increase in accidents involving these heavy vehicles has lead to a situation where the role of driver education and fitness has come under scrutiny," said the roads and transport department spokesperson, Ncedo Kumbaca. "Many companies know that money spent on proper training of drivers has proven to be a good investment, as that may result in less damage to vehicles and fewer accidents."

The winner of the competition was recognised throughout the country as a skilled driver.

"The competition [is first] staged at the district level; the winners then compete in provincial, national and international competitions. Last year, 269 drivers competed in the province and two Eastern Cape drivers were selected to compete in the international Driver of the Year competition to be held in Italy in October 2008," Kumbaca added.

An annual event, the provincial Driver of the Year competition is expected to begin next month in various districts around the province. For the Amathole District, in which Buffalo City is located, the competition will be held at the Buffalo City industrial development zone on 6 and 7 June.

The finals for Eastern Cape will be run from 31 July to 2 August in Port Elizabeth.