MEDIA ALERT

KZN TRANSPORT MEC, BHEKI CELE LAUNCHES "KEEP LEFT – PASS RIGHT" ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN

It is a well-known fact that the biggest killer on South African roads is attitude. And of course the most dangerous offences committed on our roads involve the moving vehicle.

Unfortunately, there can never be a traffic officer on every stretch of road or street corner. So for every moving violation detected, a far greater number will probably go unchallenged. This leads to drivers repeating not-so-smart tricks on a regular basis. Believe us when we say: "One day your tricks will cost you your life - or will kill an innocent bystander, pedestrian or passenger."

It is estimated that, no matter the immediate cause of an accident, it is generally preceded by some sort of an offence on the part of the driver.

Hence the launch of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport’s "KEEP LEFT – PASS RIGHT" campaign, which aims to re-inform and re-educate the South African public about polite, safe and responsible driving habits.

The Road Traffic Act clearly states that, "Any person driving a vehicle on a public road shall do so by driving on the left side of the roadway and, where such roadway is of sufficient width, in such manner as not to encroach on that half of the roadway to his or her right……"

MEC Bheki Cele said he believed inconsiderate driving habits can be changed, if every person behind the wheel of a vehicle will only make the effort. And the greater the driver's level of consciousness - of risk, vehicle limitations, other people's lives - the more "instinctive" will safe driving habits become.

"Cars that continually weave 'in-and-out' of different traffic lanes, speeding to over- or under-take other vehicles, are a major cause of accidents. It is tempting to react with earthy sign language, but better - for you and everyone else - to curb your temper. Let them go. Sooner or later - if the drivers are still alive - a traffic officer is going to see them and they are going to be looking at a very hefty fine. Traffic officers are on the lookout all the time for drivers who break the rules of the road - don't let your anger and frustrations turn you into one of them," Cele said.

Don't over-react to reckless drivers. Road rage turns YOU into a less responsible driver - and you in turn become a danger to others.

back