Pretoria - The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the Department of Transport have launched a new multimedia campaign to educate the public about the importance of obeying the rules of the road.
Transport Minister Dipuo Peters is featured in the “Don’t Ignore the Signs” campaign, which is a television commercial.
During the commercial, Minister Peters makes a plea to road users to stop disregarding the rules of the road.
“The campaign is currently flighted on SABC television stations and at soccer stadium television LED screens.
“It will be rolled out on other communication platforms in the coming weeks and intensified during peak travel periods,” RTMC said in a statement on Monday.
Prominent actors such as Nambitha Mpumlwana, Gabriel Temudzani and soccer players such as Mandla Masango also feature in some of the adverts. The campaign forms part of the 365 day, 24/7 road safety programme to promote and increase public awareness on road safety.
“It is informed by an understanding that almost every road crash is preceded by a violation of road signs and regulations.
“An analysis of road crashes show that intentional misbehaviour such as ignoring speed limits, drunk (and drugged) driving, dangerous overtaking, and disregarding traffic signs ( such as stop signs, robots and barrier lines) is a major contributor to fatal crashes,” RTMC said.
The agency said human factors account for 74 percent of road fatalities in South Africa.
Less intentional forms of human error, such as fatigue, poor judgement especially on sharp bends and wet surfaces also play a critical role in crash while failure to wear safety belts is one of the most common causes of death in road crashes.
“Road Safety is everyone’s responsibility and every South African has a role to play in keeping the roads safe.
“Let us all be responsible in the way we conduct ourselves on and off the road. Do the right thing. Don’t ignore the signs,” RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini said. – SAnews.gov.za
