In its endeavour to curb pedestrian accidents and fatalities on our roads, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport will continue with its Pedestrian Safety workshops at Shinta Community Hall, Mount Frere on 3 August 2011 at 10h00.
Conducted in collaboration with various provincial institutions, these workshops are meant empower pedestrians holistically; these provincial institutions include Road Accident Fund, South Africa National Road Agency Limited, Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Social Development, Safety and Security, Sanlam Sky and Health department.
The idea was instigated by the fact that pedestrians are legitimate road users, who are most vulnerable on the roads, as they constitute 40 per cent of the total road accidents, especially in countries like South Africa.
These accidents are as a result of unacceptable road user behaviour and attitudes coupled with high level of ignorance.
Another factor is that South Africa is a much motorised society and infrastructure has been developed around the needs of the motorist, creating better roads resulting in high speed and less focus has been put on the pedestrians. The situation is worsened by inadequate pedestrian facilities closer to the residential areas, too busy main roads and the establishment of informal settlement.
Topics covered include:
- Safety and Security
- Substance and Alcohol Abuse
- Traffic laws and other legislations
- Pedestrian safety
- Accident, injuries and claims
- Insurance and passenger safety
The first workshop was held at Middledrift Community Hall, the second one was at Mthatha Town hall and the most recent one was at Cofimvaba Community Hall.
The remaining workshops will be held as follows:
| District | Date | Venue |
| Cacadu | 11 August 2011 | P.E City Hall |
| Joe Gqabi | 25 August 2011 | Aliwal SPA Hall |
Pedestrian Road Safety hints:
- Ensure that you are clearly visible during the night. Always wear light coloured clothes or reflective clothing
- Do not walk in the road but on the pavement, if there is no pavement, walk as near to the edge as possible facing oncoming traffic
- Avoid road at all times when intoxicated
- When crossing the road and there is a pedestrian bridge, use it, even if it means walking further
- Never run across the road without looking both ways, and check that there is no traffic before crossing the road
- Never assume that you have been seen – many disturbances might attract the attention of the motorist
- Do not leave children unaccompanied next to the road
- Do not walk half way – remain beside the road until both lanes are clear
- Alcohols and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person’s ability to drive.
Enquiries:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 562 6023
Source: Eastern Cape Department of Transport
