Traffic cops will be out in full force
DESPITE limited manpower, provincial law enforcement officials will be out in their numbers to ensure that the Northern Cape’s roads remain safe this Easter, the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Lebogang Matlhaping, said at the launch of the Easter Road Safety Campaign.
His message was clear: Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“I make this call, because it goes without saying that road safety needs collective efforts as it is a matter that affects us all. The slogan ‘Road Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility’ is a short descriptive message that summarises the essence of this collective effort and responsibility we should all strive towards and always remember,” Motlhaping said at Monday’s launch.
Motlhaping also remembered those who had lost their lives on the country’s roads.
“I need to take a moment to remember loved ones we lost on the roads and in the line of duty. When one loses a loved one, the impact is far greater than what meets the eye. I am sure the pain is immeasurable to someone who lost a loved one. May their memories that remain embedded in our hearts be a reason we all strive towards a shared vision of safer roads for all and to ensure we arrive alive,” he said.
The MEC also reminded everyone that law enforcement would be out in full force during the Easter period.
“I must, however, indicate without fear or favour that our provincial law enforcement officials will be out in their numbers to ensure that they implement the best developed strategies and plans in safekeeping our roads. This will be done despite the limited manpower we have in the Province, but that has never derailed or deterred us from our goal and mission of ensuring safer roads for all.”
Motlhaping called on everybody to become involved in promoting safer roads in the Province.
“This is a mammoth task ahead of us, however, with the number of stakeholders and members of civil society who have and can still come on board, we will ensure that this is a battle that can be won through collective efforts.
“This is why we call on all members of society, civil society, faith-based organisations and all transport and community sectors to come on board and make a commitment towards safer roads for all.”
He added that law enforcement officials will remain visible on the roads and will not tolerate any unlawfulness on the roads.
Drinking and driving remains one of the key challenges, while fatigue is the silent killer that needs better planning while travelling, Motlhaping said.
“I call upon all of us to change the narrative for the better for 2019 by being responsible road users.”
SAFETY TRAVEL TIPS
• Check the roadworthiness of your vehicle;
• Plan your trips and ensure you make rest stops every 2 hours or 200km;
• Be patient and drive within the speed limit;
• Do not drive fatigued or drink;
• Don’t be distracted on the road: texting, eating or taking your eyes off the road;
Be alert and consider pedestrians and cyclists.
KEY PROBLEMATIC ROUTES:
• R31 – Hotazel/kuruman/danielskuil/ Barkly West/kimberley
• N18 – Warrenton/jan Kempdorp/ Hartswater
• N12 – Warrenton/kimberley/modder Rivier/hopetown/britstown
• N14 – Kuruman/kathu/olifantshoek/ Upington/kakamas/springbok
• N8 – Groblershoop/kimberley/ Bloemfontein
• R385 – Olifantshoek/postmasburg/ Danielskuil
• R59 - Kakamas/augrabies
• R58 – Colesberg/norvalspont/gariep Dam
• N9 - Upington/groblershoop/ Britstown/de Aar
• N1 – Bloemfontein/colesberg/ Richmond
• N7 – Kamieskroon/springbok/ Steinkopf