Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has issued a stern warning to motorists who will be travelling during the Easter weekend to exercise maximum caution and observe all the rules of the road without exception in a bid to save lives. Minister Ndebele has instructed traffic authorities to adopt a zero tolerance approach in enforcing the rules of the road.
"Law enforcement authorities must close rank against all forms of transgressions of the rules of the road without compromise. We expect nothing less than arrests for people driving at excessive speeds and driving under the influence of alcohol," says Minister Ndebele.
Motorists and passengers should wear their seat belts at all times, take rest stops frequently, respect other road users and be on the lookout for pedestrians. Passengers of public transport vehicles should not remain silent when their drivers do not observe the rules of the road or insist on driving even when they appear tired.
"Research shows that most crashes that happen on our roads could have been avoided. It is also common knowledge that fatigue is one of the major killers of people on our roads," says Minister Ndebele.
Minister Ndebele believes that if every motorist took personal responsibility to obey all the rules of the road and aim to save a life, we would not have to count lifeless bodies every holiday season. The Department of Transport and traffic authorities at all spheres of government will be out on all major hotspots around the country educating motorists and passengers about road safety and enforcing rules of the road.
The first national road safety activation was held today at the Shell Ultra City in Midrand, Johannesburg. The next activation will be at the Engen One Stop shop in Kranskop on the N1 to Limpopo tomorrow, 5 April 2012 and on Monday 9 April, N1 to Johannesburg.
