7 DECEMBER 1999
The Arrive Alive Information Centre reports that 72 people have died on South African roads since 01 December 1999. These include four children under the age of 16 and 4 passengers travelling in a minibus.
In all, 26 drivers, 29 passengers and 17 pedestrians have lost their lives in six bloody days on South Africa's roads. Arrive Alive Information Centre said that 25 of the fatalities involved people between the ages of 25 and 39 years, the most economically active members of our population.
North West Province leads the death toll with 25 fatalities followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 12. Fatalities from other provinces were reported as follows: Northern Cape 5, Northern Province 4, Mpumalanga 8, Gauteng 6, Western Cape 4, Eastern Cape 5, Free State 3. The Information Centre said it appeared most of the accidents recorded to date are as a result of speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Perry Parirenyatwa, the Arrive Alive spokesperson, is calling on all road users to exercise extreme caution while travelling over the festive season: "The annual December holidays are now starting in earnest and we are expecting traffic flows to increase considerably from now on. In this respect we are appealing to everyone to be careful, to co-operate with the traffic authorities and obey the law."
Parirenyatwa made a special appeal for motorists to be especially vigilant for pedestrians. "Although many pedestrian road accidents victims are found to be under the influence of alcohol, motorist should be aware of this and take the necessary precautions," he noted. This call also goes to pedestrians to desist from crossing the road where it is not safe to cross and using the road whilst under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicants.
"Looking at the horrible number of crashes that have already occurred, it is obvious that road users need to drastically change their attitude and behaviour," Parirenyatwa continued. "This is the last holiday of the millennium and we want everybody to be part of it and enjoy it. We should not need law enforcement to make us act responsibly. It should come naturally."
In an effort to promote road safety awareness the national Department of Transport has introduced what they've termed "the six road safety commandments." These are"
1. Don't speed
2. Don't drink and drive
3. Don't overload
4. Do wear your seatbelt
5. Do ensure drive and vehicle fitness
6. Do promote pedestrian
Adding his voice of concern about the safety of all road users, the Minister of Transport, Dullah Omor urges road users to comply with the rules of the road. "Breaking the traffic laws is not only dangerous, it is costing the country lives. The trauma that is brought by these collisions is unbearable. let every South African commit to promote road safety and save lives," says Minister Dullah Omar.
The Arrive Alive Information Centre will be disseminating accident statistics and road safety information and advice everyday throughout the holiday season except on Christmas Dan and New Years Day. In addition to the South African Police Services and traffic law enforcement authorities' efforts, member of the public are requested to contact the Arrive Alive Information Centre to report any incidents hampering the free flow of traffic anywhere in the country.
On the N4 for the period 03 to 05 December 1999, a roadblock managed and operated by Mpumalanga Provincial Traffic, South African Police Services (SAPS), Witbank Protection and Witbank Commando prove to be successful. Details of the joint operation are as follows:
The North West province MEC for Public Works Roads and Transport Mr Star Vilakazi is very concerned with the high fatality rate in his province. "I am summoning all traffic chiefs in the province to devise strategies to reverse the spiralling tide of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. I am also going deploy forty traffic officers who have completed their basic training course to increase our law-enforcement capacity." Vilakazi said.
Issued on behalf of: National Department of Transport Contact : Perry Parirenyatwa Telephone : (012) 309-3810 / 082-809-0729 (C)
OR
Issued by : Sasani Communications Contact : Desiree Pooe (011) 784-2598