The road death toll on South African roads is still a huge concern for the Ministry of Transport. While Law Enforcement agencies around the country are doing their best to combat lawlessness on the road, we know they cannot be omni-present and therefore appeal to road users especially motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and use the roads responsibly and avoid the unnecessary loss of lives that we are experiencing during this festive season.
As from the beginning of December 2010 until 21 December 2010, the fatalities are at 860 people from 717 fatal crashes as compared to last year’s 984 fatalities from 768 fatal crashes. The death toll is due to the fact that road users are not behaving accordingly and the fact that we have had several major crashes that have resulted in multiple fatalities that have pushed the figures high. There were nine major fatal accidents that occurred with a total of 59 fatalities.
Several speedsters were caught travelling at excessively high speeds ignorant to the fact that in the event that they are involved in a crash with a high occupancy vehicle, the result would certainly be multiple deaths.
Starting from 1 to 21 December 2010:
- 1,1 million vehicles and drivers checked
- 1,5 00 drunk drivers arrested (40% female drivers)
- More than 30% of fines relate to driving licences
Many crashes follow a disobedience of a road traffic rule; we appeal to all road users to abide by the rules of the road and exercise patience as road traffic volumes are bound to swell on all major routes leading to the coast on the N1 South and N3 as well as to the North (N1 to Polokwane and Zimbabwe) and the N4 East to Mozambique).
The Acting CEO of the Road Traffic Management Corporation, Mr Collins Letsoalo, advices that Defensive Driving really means "be ready for anything." On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means "always expect the unexpected." Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes. Think of what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes.
Expect children to dash out from behind parked vehicles often followed by other children. Expect occupants in parked vehicles to open doors into oncoming traffic. Watch for movement in parked vehicles - someone may be about to open a door. Expect other drivers to run stop signs when you are on a "through" street. Be ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. You may not have to use the brake, but if you do, you will be ready.
Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. In general, you must give way to pedestrians even if you know you have the right of way.
Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of crashes. Yet they are common. Allowing enough following distance is the best defensive driving manoeuvre, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Always keep a three-four second gap between you and the car in front and do not turn in front of oncoming traffic.
Defensive driving requires that a driver concentrate on the driving task. Anything that distracts from the driving task such as using a cellular phone, reading, or reaching for something on the floor makes proper defensive driving more difficult and can even cause a collision, with resulting injury. Ask a passenger to help do things like this, or pull off the road in a safe place to do them yourself. These simple defensive driving techniques could save your life.
Take a break- tiredness is thought to be a major factor in road accidents. Plan to stop for at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours on a long journey.
Media Contact:
Ashref Ismail
Cell: 071 680 3448
