The festive season is finally upon us and that means braais, parties and good solid fun.
However, every festive season, scores of people lose their lives. In January this year, the Department of Transport released the road fatality data for the 2018/2019 festive period. The data shows 1 612 people lost their lives during the festive period.
The data is based on reported fatalities between 1 December 2018 and 8 January 2019. Which means that 1 612 people sadly died during a 39-day period.
While the figure decreased by 7% from the data collected from 1 December 2017 to 15 January 2018, there was an increase of 2.5% fatalities.
As the festive season has arrived, the Newcastle Municipality’s Traffic Services is gearing up to safeguard Newcastle motorists and holiday goers who are making their way through the town.
“Newcastle Traffic Services will embark on rigorous law enforcement activities which are aligned to the Provincial and National road safety strategies. Emphasis will be placed on the identified hazardous locations,” says Newcastle Municipality’s Head of Communications, Dr Dumisani Thabethe.
With an influx of traffic driving through Newcastle, how does the department aim to minimise fatalities?
Dr Thabethe says motorists can expect high visibility patrols and the omnipresence of Traffic Officers. During the festive season, there will be a zero-tolerance approach to transgressors of road traffic laws.
“However, based on the premise that ‘road safety is everybody’s responsibility’, we rely heavily on the public to comply with the driving rules and rules of the road. Courtesy and patience with other road users must always be exercised,” emphasises Dr Thabethe.
Furthermore, Dr Thabethe explains a 365-day Road Safety Programme has been compiled.
“This includes many integrated, multi-agency roadblocks and alcohol screening exercises, together with SAPS and the RTI. Alcohol screening will be conducted around major events as well. The KZN Liquor Authority is also partnering with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance of liquor outlets, as well as to disseminate information to the general public regarding responsible liquor use.”
With regular roadblocks and Ad-hoc vehicle and driver checks to be expected, Newcastle Traffic Services leaves Newcastillian with words of caution.
“The principles of the Arrive Alive campaign, which was relaunched by the Honourable President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa on October 7 at Heidelberg, will be enforced. Road safety is everybody’s responsibility. We encourage all road users, be it motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists, to adopt an attitude which will make road safety their priority over the festive season. Let us not rob ourselves of breadwinners, friends and family members through road crashes.”
To all the Newcastillian readers, be sure to have a blast this festive season, but remember, safety first.
