holidaymakers return home
4 January 2009
Pretoria: Since 1 to 31 December 2008, 885 people have died from 688
reported crashes according to the latest report by the Department of Transport.
When compared with the same period in 2007, those who died were 1535.
Fatalities per user group are: 256 drivers, 348 passengers, and 281
pedestrians. The provincial breakdown is as follows: (Gauteng 135),
(KwaZulu-Natal 166), (Western Cape 72), (Eastern Cape 80), (Free State 77),
(Mpumalanga 108), (North West 66), (Limpopo 153), (Northern Cape 28).
Motorists should expect intensified enforcement as they return home. A major
offensive will be waged against excessive speed, unroadworthy vehicles and
overloaded taxis and buses. Traffic will move slower at toll gates and places
where there are road works.
Before undertaking your trip, ensure that your vehicle is properly geared up
for the long trip. Check lights, indicators, possible leaks, tyre pressure,
brakes, shocks, and have your tools such as jack and wheel spanners ready with
you.
Enforcement and emergency operations will be in full swing on the following
routes: N3 Durban to Johannesburg, N1 Beit Bridge, Polokwane to Pretoria, N1
Bloemfontein to Johannesburg, N4 Nelspruit to Johannesburg and Pretoria, N12
from North West to Gauteng, N2 along the coast linking Eastern and Western Cape
provinces.
The battle plan is anchored on vigorously embarking on tougher law
enforcement initiatives, and further enhancing the effectiveness of the
activities with supporting communication efforts thereof. The added advantage
of the plan is that all role players (provinces, metros and municipalities)
will work jointly and in a co-ordinated way on most operations. The focus will
be on:
* Driver fitness: documentation, fatigue and alcohol
* Moving violations: barrier lines, red light infringements, cell phones,
over-speeding
* Overloading: passenger and freight transport vehicles
* Vehicle fitness: documentation, roadworthiness and registration plate
enforcement
* Pedestrian Safety: pedestrian jay-walking, drink and walk
* Seat belts: Front and rear seat vehicle occupants
* Vehicle visibility: defective front and rear lamps.
* Following distances: between heavy vehicles, inconsiderate driving
Public passenger transport will be targeted for roadworthiness and speeding.
Traffic officials will be vigorously enforcing the 100km/h limit on taxis and
buses.
Never pressurise yourself by overtaking on blind rises, sharp corners or
barriers, as head-on tend to happen in such areas. Head-on collision can be
deadly, so drive safe at all times.
Road safety tip: Better late than dead on time!
Media contacts:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Ntau Letebele
Cell: 082 923 9194
Issued by: Department of Transport
4 January 2009
Source: Department of Transport (http://www.dot.gov.za)
