"Traffic officials will be on full alert over the Easter holiday to ensure the smooth flow of traffic," said the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Ms Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya, during the launch of the Arrive Alive Campaign held in Polokwane on Friday, 26 March.
According to Ramakhanya, most of the accidents which occur on the district's roads are due to driver fatigue, speeding, overtaking on barrier lines and unroadworthy vehicles. She urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, to adhere to the speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and avoid using cell phones while driving.
"Many accidents are also caused by stray animals, particularly on roads closer to villages. We are calling upon all livestock farmers to look after their livestock to avoid unnecessary fatalities," Ramakhanya said. "Our special focus during this festive season will be on speeding, reckless and negligent driving, driving under the influence, pedestrian safety and public passenger transport."
Ramakhanya appealed to the various communities to cooperate with the police and traffic department. "Violate traffic regulations and the basic rules of the road, and it will be at your own peril!" she warned. "As the province anticipates high traffic volumes, a zero-tolerance approach will be enforced to make a meaningful contribution towards the achievement of the goals of the Decade of Action for Road Safety."
She said that her department's aim is to reduce the rate of road accident fatalities. The method is the integration of strict and intensive law enforcement tactics with focused publicity campaigns.
Ramakhanya encouraged all role players and community structures to focus more on road safety during the coming long weekend, as Limpopo is one of the busiest provinces during this period. Law enforcement agencies should work harder, she said, but stay safe at all times.