Road safety remains a top priority during the Covid-19 lockdown | Western Cape Government

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Road safety remains a top priority during the Covid-19 lockdown

7 April 2020

I would like to extend heartfelt condolences to the families and colleagues of the farmworkers who tragically died during a collision on the N1 this morning.

Six farmworkers travelling in a truck between Touwsrivier and De Doorns were killed in a head-on collision on the N1. As far as we know, the deceased were on their way to render essential services.

We are grateful to all the people who are delivering essential services during the lockdown. These include truck drivers, farm workers, staff of shops selling essential goods, health services workers, police officials, soldiers, traffic officers and public transport drivers transporting essential services workers. We also remind everybody that road safety is of paramount importance during the lockdown as at every other time.

There is currently a great deal of pressure on truck drivers, delivery vehicle drivers, and drivers transporting essential services workers. At the same time, there are very few vehicles on the road. As the winter rains begin, roads start to become slippery. Drivers may be tempted to drive too fast, but this is always dangerous. Stick to the speed limit at all times and obey all the rules of the road.

If you are a truck driver delivering essential goods, sleep well before a trip. Take regular rest breaks. Make sure that you have all the essentials with you (water, sandwiches, snacks, medication and hand sanitiser) to reduce the need to go into shops. Cooperate with law enforcement officers and have all your documentation on hand (e.g. your driver’s licence and waybill). Ensure that your load is correctly distributed and secured properly. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before you leave.

If you are the driver of a truck or a light delivery vehicle transporting essential services workers, make sure that the combined weight of your passengers does not exceed 50% of your total vehicle carrying capacity. Assume each person weighs 68 kg when you do the calculation.

If you are a driver of a public transport vehicle, stick to the approved lockdown operating hours, and stick to the speed limit. Remember that:

  • Public transport vehicles may convey passengers from 5 am to 10 am, and from 4 pm until 8 pm only.
  • Minibuses and midibuses are allowed to drop off passengers until 11 am during the morning shift, and until 9 pm in the evening shift.
  • Drive carefully at all times, and obey all the Covid-19 safety measures, including reduced numbers of passengers during the lockdown. Remember that:
  • Buses are limited to carrying 50% of their licensed capacity. This means a 23-seatermidibus may  carry only 16 occupants (15 passengers + the driver).
  • Taxis are limited to carrying 70% of their licensed capacity. This means a 16-seater minibus may  carry only 11 occupants (10 passengers + the driver).
  • E-hailing services are limited to carrying 50% of their licensed capacity. This means a 5-seater vehicle may  carry only 2 occupants (1 passenger and the driver).
  • Private vehicles are limited to 60% of their licensed capacity. This means a 5-seater vehicle may  carry only  3 occupants (2 passengers and the driver).

Our thoughts go out to the people whose friends and relatives died this morning, and  to those who are currently being treated in hospital for their injuries.

Department of Transport and Public Works:www.westerncape.gov.za/tpw | Safely Home: https://safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za/ | Police: 10111 | Fire and Ambulance: 10177 | Emergency Traffic Control Centre: 021 812 4581

Media Enquiries: 

Ntomboxolo Makoba-Somdaka
Spokesperson for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Tel: 021 483 8067
Cell: 082 953 0026
Email: Ntomboxolo.Makoba-Somdaka@westerncape.gov.za