Officers in Viral Video on Social Media Charged
The two officers who recorded themselves having a blast doing the famous Idibala dance challenge in South Africa – whilst driving! – have been issued with disciplinary action. In the video that went viral earlier this month, the two (very happy) officers are seen dancing and singing in full uniform… and not wearing their safety […]
The two officers who recorded themselves having a blast doing the famous Idibala dance challenge in South Africa – whilst driving! – have been issued with disciplinary action.
In the video that went viral earlier this month, the two (very happy) officers are seen dancing and singing in full uniform… and not wearing their safety belts!
Three weeks ago one YouTube follower warned: “my guy, you’re driving… this can implicate you.”
Another said: “Am I the only person who realises the car is in transit?”
But clearly they weren’t the only one! The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) today welcomed the decision to give the officers a warning, following a disciplinary hearing conducted by the Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
“Emergency medical personnel routinely respond to road crashes and should, therefore, understand the danger of distracted driving and failure to use safety belts,” RTMC said.
EMS regulations require emergency medical services to “promote safe driving techniques” and forbid behaviour “that may reasonably be considered to be bringing the industry into disrepute”.
The RTMC said:
We hope that this sanction will send a strong message to all other public officials to desist from behaviour that compromises safety while driving official State vehicles.
The conduct displayed by the two officers is consistent with behaviour that has become known as distracted driving. This includes texting and taking selfies while driving, which are among the major contributing factors to crashes on South African roads.
Sources: YouTube, SAnews.gov.za