Minister of Transport Road Safety statement marking the weekend leading to the Workers Day
During the end of the month of April every year, South Africa experiences increased road traffic in major routes of our country as a result of the commemoration of the International Workers’ Day, on the 1st of May every year.
South Africans commemorate May Day by attending political, cultural as well as social activities with many other people using the long weekend to visit family.
It is important that road users remain extremely cautious on the road during this period. Road safety must always be at the top of road users’ priorities. Drivers should always consider the threats and possible worst case scenarios and plan to avoid as many of these as possible.
Minister Peters, remains concerned that weekends continue unabated to pose a major challenge as demonstrated by carnages on our roads with most crashes occurring on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and with a phenomenon where these crashes occur between 14h00 and 23h00.
Human factor contributes the most to these crashes, with many collisions occurring as a result of jay-walking, speeding, overtaking in the face of oncoming traffic, hit and run and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Our road safety analysis brings to the fore a very painful reality of the role played by un-roadworthy vehicles. Key to the vehicle factors that contributed to the crashes are tyre bursts, faulty brakes and smooth tyres.
Minister Peters calls upon all motorists to:
- adhere to the speed limit
- avoid driving under the influence of alcohol
- avoid use of cell phones while driving
- ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy
- do not cross the road where it is not safe to do so
- take regular breaks
- buckle up, safety belts save lives
Minister Peters extend her sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones on our roads during this period and wishes a speedy recovery to all those who are recuperating in hospitals.
Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Cell: 072 566 0827
