MEC of Transport, Safety and Liaison, Comrade Patrick Mabilo,
Officials of the national, provincial and local government,
Representatives of State Owned Companies and agencies,
Representatives of Taxi and Bus Associations,
Private sector partners,
Comrades and friends,
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
We are gathered here today to mark the launch of the road safety campaign in the province of the Northern Cape, as part of our national and international campaigns to reduce road fatalities. The launch of the Northern Cape programme follows the launch of the nationwide festive programme which took place two weeks ago in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga province.
Road accidents are among the main causes of deaths in South Africa and in the rest of the world. In South Africa, more than 10 000 people, including pedestrians, drivers and passengers, die on our roads each year.
Causes of accidents include human, vehicle and road factors:
- Drinking and driving, speeding, fatigue, drinking and walking on the road are some of the common human factors
- Un-roadworthy vehicles which have faulty brakes, gears, steering wheels, tyres, and other defective parts also contribute to accidents
- The conditions of some of our roads also contribute to accidents.
The human factor accounts for 81.2% of accidents, while vehicle and road factors account for 10.2% and 8.6%, respectively. In addition to the human cost of lives lost, accidents also have serious social and economic implications.
Road accidents deprive families and communities of children, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who die on the road. Children and youth are the main victims of road fatalities, particularly in areas where there are no designated recreational areas. This is the case in many rural and urban areas.
Accidents also affect the country’s economy, as significant funds have to be allocated to health and recuperation support to victims of road accidents. Many people cease to be economically active as a result of physical disabilities suffered.
Given these socio-economic costs, road safety campaigns should be our daily focus, and not only remembered during the Festive and over the Easter periods. Working together we can overcome any challenge.
Internationally, the crisis has prompted the United Nations (UN) to adopt a 10 year programme, from 2011 to 2020, to reduce road fatalities and therefore their human and economic costs. South Africa is therefore not the only country grappling with this challenge.
The Department of Transport in partnership with state agencies, the private sector and the public will continue with road safety campaigns to create greater awareness of road safety.
Government’s interventions will succeed when all of us as individuals and communities take responsibility. For South Africa to meet the commitment to reduce road fatalities by 2020, as part of the international campaign, we need an active citizenry. It is therefore our everyday and lifelong responsibility to ensure that our people and roads are safe.
This starts with all of us taking responsibility to ensure that we all comply with the law. Citizens should report all road infringements to law enforcement agencies.
Asking for bribes and paying bribes is an offence. Road safety campaigns should also pay attention to the education of children as road safety ambassadors from early. Activities could include debates at school, and assignments that allow pupils to internalise the message of road safety. Children can also bring innovative thinking on ways to promote road safety.
The department and government as a whole are committed to create an enabling environment by upgrading roads, strengthening law enforcement and ensuring that un-roadworthy vehicles are taken off our roads. The department will continue to work with all stakeholders, within and outside the state, to maximise the impact of our campaigns.
I wish you all a happy and peaceful festive season.
Please, don’t drink and drive. Buckle up and arrive alive!
Thank you!
