Transport plays a vital role in society, both in economic and social terms. Yet, not a day goes past where someone doesn’t die through a motor vehicle-related incident. As we enter the month of October, with the festive season around the corner, road safety becomes even more important.
To create awareness about the importance of road safety, Newcastle Municipality officially launched October Transport Month today, October 4.
“This forms part of the National Calendar,” explains Newcastle Mayor, Makhosini Nkosi. With the municipality ready to gear up on driving the campaign, Cllr Nkosi says it is overshadowed by the recent loss of three lives.
“There have been three fatalities over the past week, of which one was in the CBD and the other on Asiphephe Road.”
It is due to the loss of innocent lives that Cllr Nkosi feels it is important to promote October Transport Month. “October was classified as Transport Month in 2005. During this time, we urge road users to be responsible.”
In terms of road users, Cllr Nkosi says everyone plays a role in road safety. Whether one is a motorist, passenger or even a pedestrian.
“The theme this year is Together Move South Africa Forward. We want to appeal to people to become more responsible drivers, as negligence does play a part in collisions.”
Negligence, according to Cllr Nkosi, includes speeding, drinking and driving, as well as not obeying traffic laws.
“Now with the decriminalising of dagga, we will have to worry about that too,” he says. Cllr Nkosi believes dagga usage can influence a motorist’s judgement and reaction time.
To promote compliance with the road law, Cllr Nkosi says there will be an increase in visibility of traffic officers in town. Furthermore, the municipality will be looking at improving road conditions, such as resealing potholes.
Starting the campaign off, municipal officials, traffic officers, police, the fire brigade and paramedics met on Allen Street on October 4, to participate in a roadblock.
Interacting with motorists, municipal officials and law enforcement had the opportunity to spread their message of safety.
The campaign will run throughout October, November, December and most of January. During this time, there will be zero tolerance shown to lawbreakers.
Travel safe, obey the road laws and buckle up for a festive season.
