As part of the new National Rolling Enforcement Plan, 3 Million vehicles have been stopped by traffic officers across the country since its launch in September 2010 and more cars will be stopped this festive season.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will continue to disseminate information relating to road traffic during the festive season until mid-January 2011. The contact person for any information relating to road traffic is Mr Ashref Ismail available on 071 680 3448.
Whilst speed is a factor in most crashes, alcohol is another major contributory factor accounting for fatal crashes. The seatbelt wearing rate is also very low with less drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts. This has a huge effect on the number of passenger fatalities.
Since the beginning of this festive season, from 1 to 14 December 2010, 125 fatal crashes have been recorded throughout South African roads. 170 people have died on our roads with the following breakdown:
- Drivers: 49
- Passengers: 79
- Pedestrians: 42
The above figures are preliminary; the final figures will be issued in the next quarterly report to be released in February 2011.
It is rainy season; many roads are wet and slippery. Drive slower in wet conditions with your head-lights on at all times, as visibility is poor. Motorists are advised to extend their ‘following distance’ to give allowance for three or more vehicles in front to avoid road traffic crashes.
Reports of fatal crashes indicate that human factors played a major role (speed, pedestrian jay-walking and drunk driving) in most of the provinces. A road crash is someone’s fault – don’t let it be yours.
When heading for your holiday, you are urged to check these critical safety items:
- All lights including indicators
- Seat belts
- Wipers
- Front and rear tyres
- Foot-brake front and rear
- Hand brake
- Steering mechanism (Steering box & tie rod ends)
- Front and rear suspension
- Exhaust
- Wheel alignment.
Lets us all make roads safe. We encourage all road users to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.
N.B: Media are invited to cover the various road blocks to be held over the weekend.
Enquiries:
Ashref Ismail
Cell: 071 680 3448
