The provincial Department of Roads and Transport, together with Premier Panyaza Lesufi, has launched its annual Easter Road Safety Campaign, focusing on curbing traffic-related fatalities during one of the busiest travel seasons in SA.

Easter typically brings a sharp rise in road traffic as thousands travel to visit family or enjoy a break away. This increase, however, also comes with heightened risks, prompting the province to act early with visible interventions.

This year's campaign focuses on several pressing issues, including drinking and driving, excessive speed, driver fatigue, vehicle roadworthiness, and pedestrian safety. Officials are also placing particular emphasis on the consistent use of seatbelts by all occupants in a vehicle.

As part of the initiative, roadblocks and visible policing will be stepped up across the province. Authorities are also working closely with municipal leaders to promote public awareness and enforce compliance with road safety laws.

Lesufi highlighted Gauteng’s recent success in reducing traffic fatalities, noting that the province had bucked the national trend during last December’s festive season.

“The reason why we are here is that last year during December we were the only province who decreased road fatalities with almost 25%. All provinces went high, and we were the only province that went down,” Lesufi explained during the launch. “So, we want to sustain and go further than that. Because we can go further than that 25%, and that is the reason you see us having these roadblocks. I want to thank the Member of the Mayoral Committee and Member of the Executive Council because we need to sustain this thing of ensuring that our roads should be a pleasure and not a place where people die utilising our infrastructure.”

The campaign will run throughout the Easter period, with the province urging motorists and pedestrians alike to take road safety seriously.

--ChannelAfrica--