(photo: by obakeng maje)

Traffic authorities are aiming for zero road fatalities over the Easter weekend.

 

Arrive Alive has begun a national blitz to ensure a strong traffic presence as the holiday weekend nears. Annually, statistics show that around 110 people die in road-related incidents over Easter. Every month 1000 people die in road accidents, an average of 40 people a day.

 

As the Easter weekend nears, many make their way to the coast at the start of the school holidays.

 

Arrive Alive spokesperson Luthando Moya appealed to donors to give blood.

 

“Unfortunately when the holidays arrive, the demand does not decrease, and about 3000 units of blood is still needed by patients daily and for each day we are unable to make this target, the total units of blood that is available depletes,” he said.

 

At the launch of the national 2013 Easter road safety campaign Minister of Transport Ben Martins in Cape Town issued a stern warning to road users.

 

“This carnage on our roads must stop. All of us must join hands and put a stop to it.

 

“Our traffic law enforcement officers must remain vigilant in their enforcement of road traffic rules, without fear. If vehicles are not roadworthy, they must be taken off the roads to save the lives of our people” the minister said.

 

At the launch of the Easter Arrive Alive campaign for the North West province, transport MEC Nono Maloyi said the province was ready to deal with incidents and offences on its roads.

 

“We will be visible throughout. We have ensured that we have special vehicles that will also assist our officials to trace defaulting vehicles, we will also deploy over 400 well trained officials and we have a new fleet of vehicles,” he said.

 

The constituent association of the Retail Motor Industry (RMI) organisation, the National Vehicle Testing Association (NVTA), has also made available free safety checks which began yesterday at its national roadworthy centres and continues until March 28.

 

Tips for the Easter holiday:

 

1. Make our roads safe – Drive with Headlights on

 

2. Don’t overload – Handling and performance of your vehicle will be affected by any load.

 

3. Beware of stray animals – They don’t drive, they enjoy being on the road and they kill, watch them.

 

4. Fasten your seat belts – A safety belt can save your life.

 

5. Speed kills – Adhere to speed limits, if you speed you might not be able to stop

 

6. Fatigue – Stop and stretch, drink water and wait until you are refreshed.

 

7. Don’t drink and drive – safely reach your destination.

 

8. Obey the rules of the road at all time and eliminate use of cell phones while driving.

For more details go to http://www.thenewage.co.za