As the Easter season begins, the province's roads have been seen a high traffic volumes, as motorists drive to various holiday destinations.
Officials say the activation is aimed at creating awareness over the dangers posed by drunken driving, speeding, driver fatigue, pedestrian visibility, vehicle road worthiness and the use of seat-belts.
Motorists are advised to conduct inspections on their vehicles before long trips to ensure they are roadworthy and that their licenses are up to date. Drivers have been asked to avoid drinking and driving and to take regular rest breaks on long trips.
Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi has called on all road users to obey the rules of the road to minimise fatal crashes, "The reason why we are here is that last year during December, we were the only province who decreased road fatalities [by] almost 25%. Actually all provinces went [up] and we were the only province that went down. So we want to sustain and go further than that. Because we can go further than that 25% and that is the reasons you see us having these roadblocks", Lesufi said.
Law enforcement officers are expected to be on the ground to monitor all major roads in the city over the Easter weekend. City of Johannesburg Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Safety, Mginci Tshwaku, has urged motorists to follow the rules of the road, " There [are] going to be roadblocks everywhere. Everywhere you turn you, [you] are going to see them. The only thing we can do for our people is please be compliant as the licensing office will be opening [for] longer hours for you to ensure your disk is proper and all your papers are fine and ensure that you don't drink and drive”, he said.
At the same time, the South African National Taxi Council has called on all taxi drivers to make sure their passengers reach their destinations safely, by complying with traffic laws. SANTACO's General Secretary in the Gauteng province, Graham Fritz says driver education is vital, “ Our drivers must please be careful, buckle up, adhere to the speed limit. Passengers also must please be careful and normal drivers must be careful. No drinking and driving and passengers and commuters along the road who is walking please be careful on the roads”, he said.
---SABC---
