Community Outreach

Community Outreach
School Safety Programmes Scholar Transport Minibus and Taxi Safety Road Safety Campaigns Conduct debates with various stakeholders regarding social issues affecting our communities and schools SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMMES School safety programmes in conjunction with Gauteng Department of Education, Road Traffic Management Corporations (RTMC), Gauteng Department of Community Safety, South African Police and various stakeholders. Attend meetings- with Department of Education representative, SGB, principal, educators and parents to raise issues arising in the schools Do presentations on Road Safety Campaigns Training and Monitoring of Scholar Patrols Drug abuse, Child abuse and Human trafficking presentations School searches-in order to maintain order and discipline in the school and to protect the safety and welfare of students, School personnel and educators et cetera. SCHOLAR TRANSPORT Every day, millions of learners hoping to better themselves through education wake up early to get to school. Scholar transport is a necessary and integral part of the right to basic education. The National Department of Transport has legislation and regulations in place to help ensure that children get to school safely, in suitable vehicles that are licenced, roadworthy and driven by drivers with professional driving permits. Any person that transports children to and from school for money is providing a scholar transport service. These services may be operated in terms of a contract with a school or through a private arrangement with parents, guardians or between parents/guardians. Requirements for scholar transport services Anyone who transports children to school and back and is paid to do so on a regular basis needs to comply with the scholar transport regulations. An operating licence is not necessary when scholars are transported on an occasional basis, such as for outings and sports events. However, in such cases, a letter from the school confirming that the children are learners at the school and that the driver has permission to transport the children’s needs to be carried in the vehicle. Vehicles are required to have a certificate of vehicle fitness. They need to be suitable for safely transporting children, and have the necessary seat belts, if transporting children under the age of three they must have car seats. No bakkies, light delivery vehicles, trucks and trailers may be used to transport children. Requirements for drivers All drivers of scholar transport vehicles need to have the following: A valid driver’s licence A valid Professional Driving Permit (PRDP) A qualification in First Aid A qualification for advanced or defensive driving It is advised and wise to belong to an association Operators must comply with the following conditions: The vehicle must be marked as providing scholar transport There must be a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the vehicle at all times There also needs to be passenger list in the vehicle with the addresses of everyone in the vehicle, along with a copy of the identification document or birth certificate of each scholar When pre-primary, primary school children or children with physical, mental or visual disabilities, are transported under the same operating licence, a responsible adult (other than the driver) must be in the vehicle to manage the children and help ensure their safety. Restricted Conduct Do not offload the learners anywhere where stopping is prohibited i.e pedestrian crossing; stop street and at a traffic intersection. Do not offload learners in front of scholar patrollers as this action may obstruct their view of the road Do not drink and drive Do not talk on the cell phone or text whilst driving Do not overload your vehicle Do not play loud music when transporting scholars Do not drive facing oncoming traffic Do not let learners sit in your vehicle during school hours Do not gamble at your stations waiting for learners Do not carry alcohol in your vehicle MINIBUS AND TAXI SAFETY The minibus taxi industry is today the most critical pillar of our public transport sector. Not only is it the most available mode of transport, it is also the most affordable to the public. Minibus taxis are the only form of public transport that penetrates every last sector in the cities, including the poorest shack settlements. Requirements A driver must have a valid driver license with PRDP in his/her possession at all times when transporting passengers. A driver must ensure the vehicle is roadworthy Ensure that the license disc and operator card are displayed on the windscreen of the vehicle Place the vehicle license disc and operator card only on the left side of the windscreen Traffic rules A driver must ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy before setting off on any journey A driver must always obey the rules of the road at all times, (keeping to the speed limit, stop at stop signs, indicate his/her intentions before stopping, turning or overtaking) A driver must always be observant at all times (expect the unexpected) A driver must always keep a 3 second following distance (safe following distance) A driver must ensure that he/she and the passengers wear safety belt always A driver must always consider other motorists when slowing down or pulling off A driver must give right of way to vehicles approaching from the right hand side at the traffic circle A driver should have enough rest before taking a long-distance trip A motorist must give way to any pedestrian on or about to enter the pedestrian crossing Restricted conduct Do not overload your vehicle Do not drink and drive Do not skip the red traffic lights Do not drive on the emergency/yellow lane Do not drive facing oncoming traffic Do not overtake on the solid barrier line Do not overtake on any kind of bend or turn of any sorts on a hill when there is a blind rise Do not talk on the cell phone or text whilst driving Do not load or offload the passengers in or at the intersections Do not stop or park at pedestrian crossings ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS Safe places for pedestrians to cross the road Pedestrian crossing Traffic Light Stop Sign School Patrol Pedestrian Bridge At a place where there is a Law Enforcement Officer on duty, always look right and left before crossing the road Some of the basic safety tips all road users should adhere to: Always buckle up Get an adequate amount of quality sleep before setting off on your journey Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods If you are taking any medications, make sure that they won’t impair your driving ability Stop and take a break from driving at least every two hours If you are feeling really tired, stop at a safe place and take a nap-wait for at least ten minutes before getting back on the road as you need to ensure that you properly awakeStop over somewhere for the night if your journey is going to take a number of hours If possible, drive with a companion and switch driving when you start to feel tired Talk with passengers to help you stay alert, although not to the extent that you become distracted Keep temperature in your car cool as a warmer environment encourages lethargy Make a point of checking blind spots and ‘reading’ the road and traffic conditions-don’t just keep your eye on the vehicle ahead of you Road safety Easter holidays and festive season there is an increase in traffic. During this time, we need to pay special attention to the rules of the road to ensure the safety of everybody on the road The law says that seatbelts must be worn always Never lean or wave out of the window, or throw or hang anything out Do not block the driver’s view in the mirror Only open doors or windows if it is safe Keep your hands away from the door handles while the car is moving When you get in or out of the car, use the door on the pavement side If you have one, use your safety lock when children are unattended in the rear of the car Before leaving… Start any trip by getting enough sleep-at least for six hours before you leave. Plan your route, refuelling, rests and overnight stops Check your car’s road worthiness. Headlights, indicators, stop lights, tail-lights, windscreen wiper blades, mirrors, brakes, steering, tyres, exhaust system, oil and fuel leaks. Check coolant, fluids and oil levels. Check that the spare wheel is in good condition and properly inflated. Make sure that you have a serviceable jack and wheel brace. While travelling… Do not consume any alcohol during your trip An overheated or very cold vehicle can compound the effects fatigue. Make sure that you rest when you are not driving. Boredom can also cause fatigue. Music /radio / conversation is helpful. Keep safe distance-4 seconds from the car in front of you. Adhere to speed limits. Motorcycle / Motorbike Safety Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, they provide virtually no protection in a crash. Other drivers may not see you on your motorcycle, so you must be aware of everything on the road. Be extra cautious, paying attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles, especially trucks. Ride with caution and drive defensively. Even though your motorcycle may be small, you must adhere to the laws of the road. Never ride in between lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle. Don’t instigate aggressive driving with other motorists, you will only increase your chance of a crash. Watch your speed Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Please watch your speed around trucks, especially in bad weather or at night. Colliding with the back of a truck could cause serious injuries.

School Safety Programmes
Scholar Transport
Minibus and Taxi Safety
Road Safety Campaigns
Conduct debates with various stakeholders regarding social issues affecting our communities and schools

SCHOOL SAFETY PROGRAMMES

School safety programmes in conjunction with Gauteng Department of Education, Road Traffic Management Corporations (RTMC), Gauteng Department of Community Safety, South African Police and various stakeholders.

Attend meetings- with Department of Education representative, SGB, principal, educators and parents to raise issues arising in the schools
Do presentations on Road Safety Campaigns
Training and Monitoring of Scholar Patrols
Drug abuse, Child abuse and Human trafficking presentations
School searches-in order to maintain order and discipline in the school and to protect the safety and welfare of students, School personnel and educators et cetera.

SCHOLAR TRANSPORT

Every day, millions of learners hoping to better themselves through education wake up early to get to school. Scholar transport is a necessary and integral part of the right to basic education. The National Department of Transport has legislation and regulations in place to help ensure that children get to school safely, in suitable vehicles that are licenced, roadworthy and driven by drivers with professional driving permits.

Any person that transports children to and from school for money is providing a scholar transport service. These services may be operated in terms of a contract with a school or through a private arrangement with parents, guardians or between parents/guardians.

Requirements for scholar transport services

Anyone who transports children to school and back and is paid to do so on a regular basis needs to comply with the scholar transport regulations.

An operating licence is not necessary when scholars are transported on an occasional basis, such as for outings and sports events. However, in such cases, a letter from the school confirming that the children are learners at the school and that the driver has permission to transport the children’s needs to be carried in the vehicle. Vehicles are required to have a certificate of vehicle fitness. They need to be suitable for safely transporting children, and have the necessary seat belts, if transporting children under the age of three they must have car seats. No bakkies, light delivery vehicles, trucks and trailers may be used to transport children.

Requirements for drivers

All drivers of scholar transport vehicles need to have the following:

A valid driver’s licence
A valid Professional Driving Permit (PRDP)
A qualification in First Aid
A qualification for advanced or defensive driving
It is advised and wise to belong to an association

Operators must comply with the following conditions:

The vehicle must be marked as providing scholar transport
There must be a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in the vehicle at all times
There also needs to be passenger list in the vehicle with the addresses of everyone in the vehicle, along with a copy of the identification document or birth certificate of each scholar
When pre-primary, primary school children or children with physical, mental or visual disabilities, are transported under the same operating licence, a responsible adult (other than the driver) must be in the vehicle to manage the children and help ensure their safety.

Restricted Conduct

Do not offload the learners anywhere where stopping is prohibited i.e pedestrian crossing; stop street and at a traffic intersection.
Do not offload learners in front of scholar patrollers as this action may obstruct their view of the road
Do not drink and drive
Do not talk on the cell phone or text whilst driving
Do not overload your vehicle
Do not play loud music when transporting scholars
Do not drive facing oncoming traffic
Do not let learners sit in your vehicle during school hours
Do not gamble at your stations waiting for learners
Do not carry alcohol in your vehicle

MINIBUS AND TAXI SAFETY

The minibus taxi industry is today the most critical pillar of our public transport sector. Not only is it the most available mode of transport, it is also the most affordable to the public.

Minibus taxis are the only form of public transport that penetrates every last sector in the cities, including the poorest shack settlements.

Requirements

A driver must have a valid driver license with PRDP in his/her possession at all times when transporting passengers.
A driver must ensure the vehicle is roadworthy
Ensure that the license disc and operator card are displayed on the windscreen of the vehicle
Place the vehicle license disc and operator card only on the left side of the windscreen

Traffic rules

A driver must ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy before setting off on any journey
A driver must always obey the rules of the road at all times, (keeping to the speed limit, stop at stop signs, indicate his/her intentions before stopping, turning or overtaking)
A driver must always be observant at all times (expect the unexpected)
A driver must always keep a 3 second following distance (safe following distance)
A driver must ensure that he/she and the passengers wear safety belt always
A driver must always consider other motorists when slowing down or pulling off
A driver must give right of way to vehicles approaching from the right hand side at the traffic circle
A driver should have enough rest before taking a long-distance trip
A motorist must give way to any pedestrian on or about to enter the pedestrian crossing

Restricted conduct

Do not overload your vehicle
Do not drink and drive
Do not skip the red traffic lights
Do not drive on the emergency/yellow lane
Do not drive facing oncoming traffic
Do not overtake on the solid barrier line
Do not overtake on any kind of bend or turn of any sorts on a hill when there is a blind rise
Do not talk on the cell phone or text whilst driving
Do not load or offload the passengers in or at the intersections
Do not stop or park at pedestrian crossings

ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS

Safe places for pedestrians to cross the road

Pedestrian crossing
Traffic Light
Stop Sign
School Patrol
Pedestrian Bridge
At a place where there is a Law Enforcement Officer on duty, always look right and left before crossing the road
Some of the basic safety tips all road users should adhere to:
Always buckle up
Get an adequate amount of quality sleep before setting off on your journey
Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods
If you are taking any medications, make sure that they won’t impair your driving ability
Stop and take a break from driving at least every two hours
If you are feeling really tired, stop at a safe place and take a nap-wait for at least ten minutes before getting back on the road as you need to ensure that you properly awakeStop over somewhere for the night if your journey is going to take a number of hours
If possible, drive with a companion and switch driving when you start to feel tired
Talk with passengers to help you stay alert, although not to the extent that you become distracted
Keep temperature in your car cool as a warmer environment encourages lethargy
Make a point of checking blind spots and ‘reading’ the road and traffic conditions-don’t just keep your eye on the vehicle ahead of you

Road safety

Easter holidays and festive season there is an increase in traffic. During this time, we need to pay special attention to the rules of the road to ensure the safety of everybody on the road

The law says that seatbelts must be worn always
Never lean or wave out of the window, or throw or hang anything out
Do not block the driver’s view in the mirror
Only open doors or windows if it is safe
Keep your hands away from the door handles while the car is moving
When you get in or out of the car, use the door on the pavement side
If you have one, use your safety lock when children are unattended in the rear of the car

Before leaving…

Start any trip by getting enough sleep-at least for six hours before you leave.
Plan your route, refuelling, rests and overnight stops
Check your car’s road worthiness.
Headlights, indicators, stop lights, tail-lights, windscreen wiper blades, mirrors, brakes, steering, tyres, exhaust system, oil and fuel leaks.
Check coolant, fluids and oil levels.
Check that the spare wheel is in good condition and properly inflated. Make sure that you have a serviceable jack and wheel brace.

While travelling…

Do not consume any alcohol during your trip
An overheated or very cold vehicle can compound the effects fatigue.
Make sure that you rest when you are not driving.
Boredom can also cause fatigue. Music /radio / conversation is helpful.
Keep safe distance-4 seconds from the car in front of you.
Adhere to speed limits.

Motorcycle / Motorbike Safety

Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road. Unfortunately, they provide virtually no protection in a crash. Other drivers may not see you on your motorcycle, so you must be aware of everything on the road.

Be extra cautious, paying attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles, especially trucks.

Ride with caution and drive defensively. Even though your motorcycle may be small, you must adhere to the laws of the road.

Never ride in between lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle. Don’t instigate aggressive driving with other motorists, you will only increase your chance of a crash.

Watch your speed

Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Please watch your speed around trucks, especially in bad weather or at night. Colliding with the back of a truck could cause serious injuries.