Govt launches 2023 Easter road safety campaign
“I know it was an inconvenience but it was for the good of all,” said Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga during the campaign launch.
The government has launched this year’s Easter road safety campaign in Atteridgeville.
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga was at Lucas Moripe stadium on Friday, March 31 to launch the campaign to keep the number of road crashes down during the upcoming religious holiday.
Chikunga said that this comes after statics indicated that the number of crashes decreased by 30% during the 2022 Easter period, 156 compared to 222 the previous year.
“The number of fatalities decreased by 32% from 270 in 2021 to 184 in 2022,” she added.
Gauteng community safety MEC Faith Mazibuko said her department recently launched a road safety operation in townships, informal settlements and hostels.
“I know it was an inconvenience but it was for the good of all of them, and so far, we have found cars that are not even roadworthy and we should remember that criminals use roads when they hijack a car and they drive on our roads.
“Unfortunately, others had expired drivers’ licences, others had expired discs and we understand that unemployment has an impact but if you want to have your car on our road then comply,” said Mazibuko.
She added that during the Easter long weekend she will be out in the streets with her new provincial traffic police graduates.
N1 toll operator Bakwena platinum corridor concessionaire (BPCC) urged motorists to plan their trips throughout the Easter holiday ahead for anticipated heavy traffic on its N1and N4 routes.
BPCC spokesperson Solomon Kganyago said his company will implement various measures to ensure the safety of motorists on the route in collaboration with various authorities.
“Over the Easter weekend, between 2 000 and 2 400 vehicles per hour are expected to pass through the Pumulani and Carousel toll plazas during peak periods.
“If you don’t already have a car seat for your child, you can pop into the Total Panorama Petroport on the N1 on Thursday, April 6 between 10:00 to 14:00. BPCC in partnership with Wheel Well will have a limited number of car seats for all ages available for an affordable donation as well as free secure-a-kid harnesses,” he said.
He wished travellers a safe and enjoyable Easter holiday break.
Here is a list of safety measures to keep you safe on the road:
– Book your vehicle for a road safety check ahead of travel. Shop for available specials offers.
– Rest well the day/night before travel and once on the road, stop every two hours or 200km to stretch, and get fresh air. Make the journey part of the holiday experience.
– Put all non-essential electronic devices away. If you are driving with a cellphone, use it only when you have to, not when you want to. Don’t text and drive.
– Ensure everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seatbelt, drive to the conditions of the road and obey all the rules of the road.
– Have any fault light on your display cluster looked into.
– Be courteous to other drivers and enjoy the scenery.
– Stick to the speed limit or drive slower when necessary, eg. in bad weather or poor road conditions. Rather get to your destination a little later than not at all.
– Keep your eyes on your temperature gauge regularly. Should the vehicle reflect any signs of overheating, rather pull to the side of the road and contact road assistance. Consequential damages of overheating can be very costly and you do not want to spend your holiday savings on expensive vehicle repairs.
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