Travelling should be a well- planned, calm and safe journey until the destination is reached. Your vehicle ought to be thoroughly checked and serviced for the road and importantly not overloaded.
It is better to travel during the early hours after a good night’s rest rather than embark on a long journey during the day or early evening because you might get drowsy along the way but continue driving which is really bad judgement that could end in disaster.
It is better to pull over at a garage or well away from the road and rest until refreshed. Motorists are encouraged to obey the rules of the road and as always do not drink and drive.
“If motorists are still not adhering to the rules, driving recklessly, speeding and being road hogs then hearing without obedience is futile and they will be severely punished by the law” says member of the mayoral committee for Public Safety Councillor Mally Mokoena.
Continuing she says, “We have had a very difficult year with people losing jobs and lives to Covid 19 so don’t add to the pain and misery by being an inconsiderate driver especially having passengers. Whether you are leaving Joburg or visiting here, all cities have basically the same laws that have to be obeyed”.
She said that there has to be behavior change now on all fronts to win the safety issues that now include Covid 19 protocols.
During the festive season SAPS, JMPD and EMS are usually stretched in their efforts to keep law and order as well as respond to emergencies. There is already a huge police presence in the city conducting roadblocks, vehicle and body searches, advising motorists and confiscating illegal goods and weapons.
“Let us not be the city with the most fatalities, accidents and acts of violence and gender abuse. Let us keep safe at home and on the roads and report criminal activity. As residents of the city we must support policing efforts to keep Joburg safe including protecting personnel from violence when carrying out their duties”, says Councillor Mokoena.
“Our behavior will define how well we meet all these challenges as we face an increase in the spread of Covid 19, gender abuse and accidents. All these things have become part of a basket of safety initiatives that must be tackled together. Come on Joburg, play your part today so that tomorrow you can proudly say that you helped to keep your community safe”, she concluded.
Some safety tips:
Do not drink and drive
Always wear your safety belt
Ensure that you have a hazard triangle
Wear visible clothing at night
Lookout for pedestrians
Do not text whilst driving
Obey all rules of the road
Reduce speed on wet roads
Indicate your intention to stop or turn in time
Ends
Safety is our responsibility, call 10177 for any emergency. Remember to always wear your mask, wash your hands, sanitize and keep your distance.
Issued on behalf of Councillor Mally Mokoena
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety
By
Virgil James
City of Johannesburg
(011) 407 7226
082 467 9415
virgilj@joburg.org.za
