Road Safety campaign kicks off

The Provincial Department for Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape said its safely home campaign this festive season will be held in conjunction with the City of Cape Town, the South African Police Service and the Traffic Department. According to the Department's spokesperson Solly Malasti the campaign will focus on identifying the roads where the most fatal accidents occur.

Speaking to VOC News on Friday afternoon Malatsi said that most of the time it is not bad road surfaces that causes the accident but driver behaviour. "If you've been observant enough most of the accidents which occur do not necessarily happen because of the conditions of the roads, though in some instances they do contribute, but it is more likely that it is driver behaviour and in some instances it is beyond the control of the driver," said Malatsi

During the festive season the Department of Transport will have more vigilant law enforcement. Malatsi said that there will be specified operations to deal with issues like drunk driving, seatbelt compliance and cell phone use which will occur at various distances on the road. According to Malatsi this will mostly occur at identified hotspots.

The City of Cape Town has had various road blocks on a Friday night which according to Malatsi has been welcome by the public. "Those blitzes have been supported by the public. The City of Cape Town has had various road blocks this week" said Malatsi. He said that the support received from the public has been overwhelming as road safety affects everyone.

Malatsi added that one does not have to rely only on law enforcement for road safety as it is the responsibility of all road users to ensure that the roads is safe for everyone. "It is very important for everyone to drive in such a manner that will guarantee their own safety as well as the safety of other road users" said Malatsi.

Meanwhile the MEC for Public Works and Transport, Robin Carlisle has expressed his condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones in various car accidents in the Western Cape this week.