One million vehicles will be stopped by traffic officers across the country this festive season and that is the target according to the rolling enforcement plan.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will be disseminating information relating to road traffic during the festive period from the beginning of December 2009 until mid-January 2010. The contact person for any information relating to road traffic is Ms Thandi Moya, who is available on 071 680 3445.
Whilst speed is a factor in most crashes, alcohol is another major contributory factor accounting for approximately 47 percent of drivers and 70 percent of adult pedestrians involved in fatal crashes. The seatbelt wearing rate is also very low with less than 50% of drivers wearing seatbelts and 92 percent passengers not wearing seatbelts. This has a huge effect on especially the number of passenger fatalities.
It is rainy season; many roads are wet and slippery. Drive slower in wet conditions as visibility is poor. Motorists are advised to extend the ‘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, particularly in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, North West and the Northern Cape. A road crash is someone’s fault; don’t let it be yours. In Gauteng almost 50 percent was ascribed to excessive speed.
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 drake
* Steering mechanism (steering box and tie rod ends)
* Front and rear suspension
* Exhaust
* Wheel alignment
We encourage all road users to report bad driving on 0861 400 800.
Media Contact:
Thandi Moya
Cell: 071 680 3445
Issued by: Road Traffic Management Corporation
7 December 2009
