9 April 2007
The Department of Transport's Arrive Alive Campaign and the Road Traffic
Management Corporation (RTMC) are concerned about high incidents involving
vehicles crashing head-on. 181 people died from 143 crashes since the start of
the Easter long weekend. 41 are drivers, 69 pedestrians and 71 passengers.
Many of the head-on collisions are attributed to unsafe overtaking
especially on barrier line (solid white line). Impatience and the urge to reach
home soon seem to be behind motorists speeding and breaking traffic rules. It
is illegal to regain lost time by speeding, adjust your speed to prevailing
conditions.
When vehicles collide head-on at impact speed doubles and chances of
survival are very slim. You can die or be permanently disabled. Be careful of
conditions on the road.
The RTMC has urged traffic authorities to arrest those overtaking on barrier
lines. Public passenger transport (taxis and buses) will be targeted. They will
also strictly enforce the 100km/h speed on freeways.
Safety hints:
* Always buckle up (including front and back seat passengers).
* Switch on your headlights even during the day, to make you visible to other
motorists and pedestrians.
Arrive Alive road safety campaign will be intensified beyond the Easter
period, so that it becomes a permanent feature on our roads.
Enquiries:
Ntau Letebele
Cell: 082 923 9194
Sam Monareng
Cell: 083 326 1521
Ashref Ismail
Road Traffic Management Corporation
Cell: 082 826 5883
Issued By: Department of Transport
9 April 2007
Source: Department of Transport (http://www.transport.gov.za)
