The Department of Transport accompanied by the Road Management Corporation (RTMC) appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Transport to present the Festive Road Safety Strategy for 2024. The Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who led the delegation for the briefing, informed the committee that the festive strategy focuses on curbing accidents and deaths over the festive season.
Mr Hlengwa said: "This season is usually marked with the rise in private-vehicle use. The strategy also addresses the urban-rural migration, which needs a particular focus." The most pressing issue, he noted, is alcohol consumption while using the road.
The portfolio committee Chairperson, Mr Donald Selamolela, said the committee appreciated the efforts to save lives. "It is clear that you are working in the interest of the country. Perhaps there is a need to look at how Parliament can strengthen this plan. Road safety is not a government issue alone, that is true; it is everyone's problem," he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of RTMC, Adv Makhosini Msibi, said the reimagined festive plan identifies alcohol and texting as the main contributors to the high number of road accidents. "We will not just deploy sporadically, as it happened before. We have involved all stakeholders including churches, chiefs, municipalities and other government departments," he noted.
Adv Msibi also mentioned that the strategy will focus on alcohol consumption, which accounted for 27% of all fatalities. The plan will also see law enforcement officers working day and night over the holiday season.
Members of the committee had questions on a number of issues, including roadblocks, the officer deployment plan, plans for big church gatherings, liquor outlets on major transport routes, the instant prosecution of road offences, and the possibility of legislating to limit the number of trucks on the road.
Committee member Mr Magashule Gana urged officials not to accept or request cold drinks. He said: "Cold drinks contribute to accidents. A number of traffic officers allow drunk drivers and unroadworthy vehicles to continue driving just because they received the cold drinks. This time we are saying: stop the cold drinks."
Mr Hlengwa shared this sentiment and added that technology poses another challenge for road safety because cell phone apps are able to detect roadblocks and speed cameras on major roads.
Committee member Mr Mazwi Blose added that young drivers are generally the most reckless on the road. He suggested that the department consider using influencers to spread the road safety message. "Our problems come mainly from young people, so get others to influence others. The question should be on how we could amplify the awareness," he said.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Mr Blose also cautioned against speed traps operated by officers hiding on the side of the road. "This approach no longer works because you'd see oncoming drivers flickering to warn would-be transgressors."
"This is a work in progress; we must confront the reality that our roads are fatality prone. We want zero deaths," Mr Hlengwa said.
He added that there is no need to expedite prosecutions related to roads crashes. Wrongdoers must remain behind bars and use the next available day of court appearance, he said. He described the trend of flicking car headlights to warn oncoming traffic of police presence as irresponsible citizenry.
Mr Selamolela observed that deaths related to pedestrians are the result of dimly lit roads. However, the committee is satisfied with the interventions proposed.
The committee will encourage all Members of Parliament to promote road safety as part of their responsibilities during the upcoming constituency period.
