The importance of adhering to road rules
As Easter approaches, all road users are urged to follow the rules for everyone’s safety.
With Easter under a month away, road safety has again come into sharp focus. The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) recent statistics depict a bleak image.
The RTMC’s State of Road Safety in South Africa (January 2022 to December 2022) report, released at the end of May last year, states that 12 436 people died on our roads that year.
Pedestrians made up 43% (5 347) of the total. The Automobile Association (AA) comments on this report, stating that SA urgently needs adequate traffic law enforcement involvement.
The Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA) agrees with the AA, saying road users should be more tolerant of one another.
In addition to trucks and cars, online shopping has seen an increase in delivery motorcycles on our roads, so these drivers must also be accommodated.
There are still far more car accidents than motorcycle accidents, simply because there are more cars than bikes on the road.
However, this is changing, owing primarily to motorists grappling with rising vehicle operating costs and the continued expansion of motorbike delivery services.
The basic physics of vehicle safety says two wheels are more restrictive regarding braking friction and directional stability than four. However, TEPA has observed that motorcyclists are significantly more concerned with installing excellent tyres and brake components to their bikes than most motorists are with their cars.
On the impending Easter holiday (March 29 to April 1), TEPA predicts heightened traffic law enforcement.
Arrive Alive and such efforts provide travellers some reassurance and peace of mind. When on a road trip during a popular holiday season, the presence of enhanced police enforcement feels natural.
Unfortunately, driver behaviour will not change miraculously in three weeks when drivers are free to drive as they like for the rest of the year.
TEPA feels everyone has a duty, whether a transport driver, truck driver, motorist, motorcycle or tram pusher.
Everyone needs to be more tolerant of one another on the roads and accept that we all have the right to use them as long as we follow the regulations.
The biggest source of frustration for South Africans is the impunity with which so many road users violate the law. Speeding, drunk driving, and texting while driving are frequent because there aren’t enough cops to enforce them properly.
TEPA concludes that we should never embrace a herd mindset – oh well, he’s getting away with it, so I’ll also drive in the yellow lane. Keep yourself and your family safe on the road by being patient and tolerant.
Most importantly, ensure your method of transport is correctly maintained and serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
A safe vehicle equals a safe journey.
