Priorities during nationwide festive season road safety operations
Hlengwa addressed media at the Grasmere Toll Plaza, which is one of the busiest countrywide, during an activation of efforts to keep travellers safe on the roads this holiday season.
Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa during a stop-and-search operation at the Grasmere Toll Plaza on Friday, 20 December 2024. Picture: X/Dotransport
JOHANNESBURG - Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa outlined priorities during nationwide road safety operations this festive season.
Hlengwa addressed media at the Grasmere Toll Plaza, which is one of the busiest countrywide, during an activation of efforts to keep travellers safe on the roads this holiday season.
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The deputy minister said they will continue to intensify the visibility of law enforcement on the roads this festive season.
He drew attention to several challenges that have contributed to the rising number of road fatalities, saying some of the incidents are caused by the heightened use of mobile phones, particularly by influencers and content creators, while driving.
"We are saying let us not use mobile phones behind the steering wheel because you are actually causing problems. I know that it's holidays and there's the nicety of wanting to record for all of us the beauty of your holiday, but it comes as a high risk for all road users, and it comes as a risk to yourself as well."
Hlengwa also added that high levels of fatigue are a contributing factor to accidents.
He made a call to truck drivers who work during the early hours of the morning to rest and to be mindful of other road users as they work to meet deadlines.
The campaign will continue across other provinces throughout the holiday period.
TAXI LEADERS ENCOURAGE CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT TO NON-COMPLIANT DRIVERS
Hlengwa said long-distance taxi industry leaders encouraged law enforcement to administer sufficient consequence management to non-compliant taxi drivers.
He said they welcomed the support, as long-distance transport operators contribute to society and the economy.
He further emphasised the importance of checking vehicle road worthiness and the number of passengers and cargo carried, as these factors affect overall road safety.
"The journey begins at home. It is only through the strength of collaboration that we’ll succeed. Hence we must expand also to the buses, and hence I’m speaking to the trucking industry as well."