PARAMEDICS in and around Durban have urged motorists to obey the rules of the road and to maintain the legal speed limit.

This after 42 people were injured in separate road accidents on Saturday and Sunday.

One death was reported.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha attributed most of the accidents to speeding and reckless driving.

"In the past three weeks accidents on our roads have escalated.

"While all of the cases show that the drivers have legitimate licences, we are finding that silly mistakes are proving to be costly," he said.

"We urge motorists to make sure all passengers are wearing their seat belts and that the speed limits are adhered to."

He said at the weekend 17 people were injured near Amazimtoti as a speeding taxi collided head-on with a cow.

"The overturned taxi had come to a standstill about 70 metres down the road," Botha said.

"Of the injured, four suffered serious injuries and the others minor injuries. All were treated and then taken to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital for further treatment."

ER 24 spokesperson Derrick Banks also called on motorists to obey the road rules.

"In another incident, eight adults and three children, one only 18 months old, were injured after the taxi they were travelling in veered off the road and rolled.

"Among the injured was a baby who did not suffer any injuries but was taken to hospital for further examination," Banks said

In another incident, eight people were injured after a taxi and a car collided. Four were taken to hospital with serious injuries.