Road users encouraged to be safe

On Wednesday, April 5, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the City of Joburg Councillor Kenny Kunene and Acting Regional Director Ntswaki Hlaba and other officials walked the streets of Roodepoort, Region C, to caution road users about safety.

According to the City of Johannesburg officials, “The event was to encourage road users and commuters to be cautious when travelling, crossing the roads, to always obey the rules of the road while respecting vehicles driving on the road especially as we approach Easter holidays.”

Also read: Road safety tips for the Easter weekend

Hlaba urged commuters to reduce luggage on trailers and drivers to avoid overtaking while pulling the trailers. MMC Kunene handed out road safety pamphlets to commuters in and out of taxis while interacting with the taxi drivers. He emphasised caring and having patience for each other as well as looking after the City’s infrastructure and stopping vandalism.

Also read: Yeah – it is Easter, let’s hit the road!

“Commuters, please work together with the long-distance drivers in reducing road accidents. Drivers, make sure you get enough rest,” stated Hlaba

“Today it is about awareness as research tells us that some people continue driving recklessly. We are here to remind everyone that our lives are important and as we drive, we not only drive our vehicles but other vehicles around us including pedestrians. History tells us that during Easter long weekend, we get a high number of accidents. Unfortunately, taxi drivers are part of those numbers. We are talking to all the drivers, including commuters to raise this awareness.

“One of the important things we need to remember is to have patience with each other on the road. We must also take responsibility for our vehicles, especially smooth tyres and avoid an overload of passengers. Let us also encourage our JMPD not to take bribes for our unroadworthy vehicles,” added MMC Kunene.

“We always strive for zero fatalities especially during Easter long weekend and Christmas holidays by ensuring our taxis are roadworthy, things like tyres, smoking vehicles, working lights and other basics are working so we do not risk the lives of our commuters. It is important for us to adhere to safety regulations, after all, is our lives that are at risk, we need to save lives,” stated Mxolisi Xabanisa of the Long-Distance Taxi Association.

MMC Kunene urged drivers to refrain from chatting on the phone or watching WhatsApp videos while driving. He said they should park on the side of the road to attend to the phone, as phone distractions can result in serious fatalities.
“To avoid road rage, stay vigilant on the road. JMPD cameras are all over the City. They will impound your unroadworthy vehicles and your license if you don’t comply. Wear seat belts and ensure your passengers paid you to drive them safely to their destinations. Let us work together, come past Easter holidays, let us all be proud of ourselves as Joburg citizens in reducing road fatalities,” concluded MMC Kunene.