Nomandla Bloem, Northern Cape MEC for Transport and Safety Liaison, has launched the Annual Easter Road Safety Campaign this morning at the N12 weighbridge in Kimberely.
Bloem says: “The Northern Cape Provincial Government views the mobilization of our Law Enforcement officers for deployment during festive periods like Easter, as key to the promotion of safety on our roads and thus the prevention of injury and the preservation of lives.”
“This is evident in our continued commitment towards road safety and a sustained hard-line against lawbreakers on the road.”
“The Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison is supporting the intensifying of Road Safety Campaigns with a robust Action Plan for the Easter long-weekend from 01 – 05 April 2021.”
“As we know, this period yields congestion on our roads as industries and schools close and people move to holiday locations or their hometowns.”
“Under our current Lockdown Regulations, we may experience a decrease in the number of travellers on the road. It may also be that we may experience similar or heightened road congestion, as people take advantage of relaxed Level 1 travel restrictions. Be that as it may, we shall be prepared for any eventuality with due vigour and responsiveness.”
“As it is during Christmas – it is really a sad thing to behold that many of our road users tend to misbehave over Festive periods. Drinking under the influence of alcohol is rife with even incidences of road rage and other forms of reckless driving – resulting in preventable accidents and the loss of innocent lives.”
“Our Operational Plan demands all Law Enforcement Officers, as well as our Stakeholders on the roads, on the routes we have identified to maximize visibility and ultimately reduce fatalities.”
“As always, we will patrol with a Zero Tolerance for Lawlessness – the only approach to ensure that we leave no margins for error, no space for leniency and no room for complacency.”
“As we were under stringent Lockdown Regulations last year, that prohibited open and free travel but for essential services, the Northern Cape managed to register only two late fatalities.”
“Each year, we draw up our Operational Plan to take due notice of research and trends over the past few years, to inform us of where exactly we need to sharpen our attention and where we are facing challenges.”
“As indicated, we focus not only on the safety of drivers and passengers, but also on the vehicles themselves, pedestrians and other issues such as stray animals and meticulously monitoring emerging road use trends to inform future operations.
The main factors contributing to road accidents and fatalities include the following:
• Driving under the influence of alcohol as well as pedestrians under the influence of alcohol
• Speeding
• Moving violation, for example cellphone use while driving or not wearing seatbelts
• Dangerous overtaking
• Vehicle fitness
• Fatigue
• Overloading
“As we can see, most incidents are caused by human behaviour. I must at this point appeal to members of our communities to work with us in respecting the rules of the road as well as to be responsible, sober, rested and vigilant drivers.”
The 2021 Operational Plan will be focusing on, but not exclusively on the following routes:
• R31 – Hotazel-Kuruman-Danielskuil-Barkley West-Kimberley
• N18 – Warrenton-Jan Kempdorp-Hartswater-Taung
• N12 – Christiana-Warrenton-Kimberley-Modderriveier
• N14 – Vryburg-Kuruman-Kathu-Olifantshoek-Upington-Kakamas-Springbok
• N8 – Groblershoop-Kimberley-Bloemfontein
• R385 – Olifantshoek-Postmasburg-Danielskuil
• N9 – Upington-Groblershoop-Britstown-De Aar-Hanover
• N1 – Bloemfontein-Colesberg-Richmond-Beaufort West
• N7 – Kamieskroon-Springbok-Steinkopf
“Our Operational Focus will be Tactical Roadblocks, checking the roadworthiness of Public Transport vehicles, Stop & Checks, Fatigue Management campaigns and Road Safety awareness and education at Taxi ranks.”
“As per our analysis, operations will be targeted at certain days of the week and certain times of day, for example, Thursday night to Sunday night, which has been consistently identified as the most dangerous periods claiming the largest number of fatalities. Saturday night being the highest.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank all the officers who will be leaving their families in warm and festive homes, to go on our roads for long hours so that we are safe. There is nothing nobler than doing a job that protects lives.”
Remember to Arrive Alive, Bloem concludes.
I thank you