The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) protects vulnerable road users (cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, especially children and senior citizens) in a number of ways. We emphasise safety in the way we design provincial roads and road crossings. We support the development of cycling lanes in Western Cape municipalities. Provincial Traffic Services enforces the law. We also engage in a range of road safety education initiatives.

This week, Provincial Minister of Transport and Public Works Bonginkosi Madikizela announced that there had been a 23% reduction in Western Cape road traffic fatalities during the festive season. “I am, however, seriously concerned about the high number of pedestrians who are dying on our roads,” he said. “In total, 74 pedestrians were killed on our roads between 1 December 2019 and 15 January 2020. Provincial Traffic Services arrested 19 drunk pedestrians,” he added.

DTPW targets children through scholar patrols, interactive road safety talks by our road safety mascot Danny Cat, junior traffic training centres (JTTCs), and “walking buses”. JTTCs are small-scale simulated road environments on school grounds where children can learn about road safety. Walking buses are groups of children walking to school under the supervision of a teacher.

Slow down near children, especially in areas where there are no pavements. Children may play in the street in areas where there are no safe recreational areas. They may misjudge how quickly vehicles are moving. Children are more likely to die in a crash because the impact is likely to be above the waist. Be patient with older people – they may walk more slowly than other pedestrians.

DTPW supports high school learners to become powerful advocates for road safety through their participation in the National Road Safety Debate Competition. We also support learners to develop locally appropriate road safety solutions through participating in the national Participatory Educational Techniques (PET) competition.

If you are a pedestrian, don’t drink and walk, cross the road in safe places, and never cross a road while wearing headphones or earphones. If you are a cyclist, stick to the rules of the road at all times, including riding in single file. If you are a motorcyclist, observe the speed limit and don’t drink and drive. If you are a motorist, look out for cyclists and motorcyclists and give them a wide berth when you pass.

#ShareTheRoad

DTPW road safety initiatives taking place in February