Holiday road safety prioritised
KZN Transport MEC Mxolisi Kaunda's Easter road safety campaign and Closing the Ranks campaign were launched on Friday
Following the national launch of the Department of Transport’s (DoT) Easter road safety campaign at the end of last month, provincial roll out began on Friday in time for the Easter holidays.
Focusing on high accident areas, the roadblock was set up at the eSikhaleni off-ramp, a spot notorious for fatal accidents.
‘It is vitally important that integrated law enforcement is highly visible, especially in red spots,’ said KZN DoT Chief Director of Communications, Nathi Sukazi.
Motorists were pulled over at random and vehicles inspected for roadworthiness, while the validity of licences and driver’s licences were also checked.
One arrest was made when a taxi driver was found to be in possession of a firearm with an expired licence.
‘The purpose of this campaign is to show an integrated approach to law enforcement and promote road safety,’ said Sukazi.
‘More than 90% of road accidents are caused by human error, such as drinking and driving, recklessness, fatigue and failure to observe road rules.
‘Statistics also show that the majority of accidents involve drivers between the ages of 18 and 40.
‘There is a fundamental failure to observe and respect road rules and signs,’ said Sukazi.
While this campaign will run for the duration of the Easter holidays, Friday also saw the launch of KZN Transport MEC Mxolisi Kaunda’s ‘Closing the ranks’ campaign, which will see weekend roadblocks from Thursdays to Sundays in high accident areas.
‘Safety Fridays’ form part of this campaign, focusing on drinking and driving, which will also see roadblocks on municipal roads, in residential areas and around taverns.
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