Road safety first during the Hermanus Whale Festival | Western Cape Government

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Road safety first during the Hermanus Whale Festival

27 September 2016

The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) is appealing to motorists travelling to the upcoming Hermanus Whale Festival to drive responsibly.

Traffic law enforcement authorities from the Province, Overstrand, Cape Agulhas and Theewaterskloof will be conducting coordinated operations on various routes around Hermanus and the Overberg coast during the festival weekend (30 September to 2 October 2016), with support from the police. The region has a very high incidence of pedestrian fatalities. Motorists should be particularly alert when travelling past Grabouw along the N2.

In support of joint law enforcement activities, DTPW road safety officers will be at the festival conducting safety talks, responding to road safety queries, exhibiting information, and distributing pamphlets.

Danny Cat, the road safety mascot, is looking forward to playing with children and teaching them good safety habits. The seatbelt convincer, which simulates what happens in a crash, will show visitors the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times. 

Traffic officers will be focusing on:

  • speeding,
  • driving under the influence,
  • distracted driving (using cellphones while driving),
  • seatbelt compliance, and
  • driver and vehicle fitness.

We expect all road users to play their part by practising good road safety habits at all times. Please be alert, be considerate, and be especially careful around vulnerable road users – children, older people, cyclists and motorcyclists.

During October, Safely Home will be focusing on child road safety including seatbelt compliance, learner transport operations, and scholar patrol audits and training. Comprehensive road safety education for children requires the involvement of traffic officers, parents, teachers and other adults in a community. Together, we can set a good example for children by consistently adhering to the rules of the road.

Follow Safely Home on Twitter @WCGovSafelyHome under the hashtag #SaveKidsLives

Media Enquiries: 

Byron la Hoe
Communication Officer
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 9813
Cell: 079 281 8570
Email: byron.lahoe@westerncape.gov.za

You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW