Poor driving given the boot

Officials continue to unite for safer roads over Christmas and the New Year.

A wide-scale safety campaign was launched at the N11 Ingogo crossing on Thursday, with the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority (KZNLA) aiming to give irresponsible alcohol consumption the boot.

Read: Driving schools air their grievances

This is the first time the KZNLA launched such a campaign in Newcastle.

Simon Manelli, KZNLA Executive Manager of Social Responsibility said the campaign included the Road Traffic Inspectorate, the Department of Transport, SAPS, Home Affairs: Customs, the Department of Health, the Road Accident Fund, the provincial Department of Tourism and local traffic police.

“We conduct festive season awareness annually, choosing different regions and activities so we can be visible to the most people.”

The KZNLA is tasked with assisting society to understand road dynamics, and has gathered data at various entrances to KZN over the past few years.

According to this, speeding and drinking are not the only causes of road incidents.

“There are such incidents and they do appear regularly in the media, but people also neglect their health status.”

Mr Manelli said the state of one’s eyes played a major role in road safety – being unable to see clearly, either as a motorist or pedestrian, could lead to death or injury.

Other factors linked to driving include blood pressure, blood sugar and fatigue.

“Many drive from Johannesburg to KZN without rest, and this contributes to fatigue and falling asleep behind the wheel.”

The KZNLA and other officials reiterated there was a zero tolerance policy with regard to drinking and driving, and drinking and swimming.

With this in mind, a major roadblock was set up on the N11 near Ingogo.

Motorists had vehicle licences and registrations checked, before free mandatory tests of their eyesight, blood sugar, blood pressure and weight, plus voluntary HIV tests.

Then came on-the-spot treatments or referrals.

Cargo and permits were run through the system, while motorists had the option to renew licences and visas if they were close to expiry.

“We set up near Ingogo because the services here are sparse, so the community will benefit too.”

While the background of the campaign was a serious topic, Mr Manelli said goodie bags put together by the various stakeholders would help get motorists and passengers in the festive spirit.

He urged all visitors to KZN to look after themselves while on holiday.

“This is the first time we are activating the festive season campaign in Newcastle, and I promise this won’t be the last.”

Also read: Reckless driving ranks as main cause of collisions