Don’t get lost with the street name changes in SA!

Road Safety in South Africa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Media reports the past weekend depicted the dangerous scenario created through sudden street name changes in South Africa. With 2010 approaching it is important that foreign visitors can rely on their maps and GPS devices to find their destinations. The Arrive Alive Website referred these reports to TomTom for a response – and is glad to acknowledge a speedy response from them!

The Media Release reads as follows:

TomTom helps you keep your navigation device up-to-date

Johannesburg, 30 September 2008. Almost everyone will know the frustration of being misguided in a one-way street or onto the wrong road. The dynamic nature of road networks across the world means that on average the road network changes by approximately 10-15% every year. And this can be as much as 40% in high growth areas. In South Africa road networks are not only expanding to keep up with new development, they also change to make way for public transport systems such as the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link. This coupled with changes to road names and the names of points of interest (POIs) to honour individuals may make it difficult for users to find their way to their destination.

Up-to-date with TomTom Map Share™

TomTom works closely with mapping providers to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date mapping information is available to all TomTom users. This is why all TomTom users have free access to Map Share™ – TomTom’s unique map correction technology. Map Share makes it possible to instantly make changes to the map on the navigation device. With a few taps on the screen a driver can block or unblock streets, change the direction of traffic, edit street names, and add, edit or remove Points of Interest (POIs), as well as change turn restrictions and speed limits.

What’s more, Map Share users can share these map corrections with other TomTom users via TomTom HOME – TomTom’s desktop application. So even if street names change, drivers always have access to the latest changes in the road infrastructure. This ensures that you always have the very latest maps and are never left stranded.

Four millions map improvements

Since the launch of TomTom Map Share in 2007, Map Share users in more than 30 countries have contributed to the creation, maintenance and improvement of digital maps and have benefited from the contributions made by others. To date, TomTom has received over four million map improvements. In July 2008 alone more than half a million people joined Map Share, which is on average over 16,000 people per day. All this consumer generated feedback is forwarded to Tele Atlas, to ensure that drivers always have the most accurate and up-to-date maps available in the mapping and navigation industry.

The Arrive Alive Website would like to urge GPS users to assist other road users in updating the Maps, thereby assisting in enhancing the safety of road users!

Also view the Arrive Alive Website for info on aspects such as “Road Safety advice for foreign travelers” , “Road Safety towards 2010” and “GPS and Road Safety”

Answering questions on South African seatbelt legislation

Seatbelt Legislation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Arrive Alive Road Safety website received a query pertaining to seatbelt legislation:

1. Does SA law require that children in private automobiles use child restraints?
2. Does the law holds drivers responsible for seeing that young children are properly belted?

The best answer to these questions can be found in the legislation:

213. Seatbelts
213. (1) For the purpose of this regulation-
(a) an adult is a person over the age of 14 years or taller than one comma five metres; and
(b) a child is a person between the age of three years and 14 years, except where such person is taller than one comma five metres.
(2) Any reference to a safety belt in these regulations shall be construed as a reference to a seat belt.
(3) (a) Motor vehicles which are required to be fitted with seatbelts in terms of the relevant requirements as contemplated in regulation 216, shall be fitted with seatbelts in accordance therewith.
(b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a), no person shall operate a minibus the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 2 500 kg, unless seatbelts are fitted to the space on the front seat occupied by the driver, and if such front seat has seating accommodation for passengers, unless seatbelts are fitted for the driver and at least one passenger.
(c) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public road unless the seatbelts fitted to such motor vehicle are in good working order.
(d) Seatbelts fitted to a motor vehicle may only be removed for repair or replacement purposes and such motor vehicle may not be used on a public road while such seatbelts are being repaired or replaced.
(e) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) no person shall operate a minibus or midibus, first registered on or after 1 January 2006, operated in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the NLTTA, unless seatbelts are fitted for the driver and all passengers;
(f) Belt configuration for passengers shall be 2-point belts, also referred to as lap-type belts with anchorage in accordance with SANS 1430, and installed in accordance with SANS 10168.
[Subregs (e) and (f) inserted by R.8, G.N. R.871 w.e.f. 1 January 2006 enforceable from 1 July 2006]
(4) No adult shall occupy a seat in a motor vehicle operated on a public road which is fitted with a seatbelt unless such person wears such seatbelt: Provided that the provisions of this regulation do not apply while reversing or moving in or out of a parking bay or area.
(5) No adult shall occupy a seat on a row of seats in a motor vehicle operated on a public road which is not fitted with a seatbelt, unless all other seats on such row which are fitted with seatbelts, are already occupied.
(6) The driver of a motor vehicle operated on a public road shall ensure that a child seated on a seat of the motor vehicle-
(a) where it is available in the motor vehicle, uses an appropriate child restraint; or
(b) if no child restraint is available, wears the seatbelt if an unoccupied seat which is fitted with a seatbelt is available.
(7) If no seat, equipped with a seatbelt is available in a motor vehicle the driver of the motor vehicle operated on a public road shall ensure that a child shall, if such motor vehicle is equipped with a rear seat, be seated on such rear seat.
(8) (a) A seatbelt shall comply with the standard specification SABS 1080 “Restraining devices for occupants of adult build in motor vehicles (Revised requirements)” and bear a certification mark or approval mark.
(b) A child restraint shall comply with the standard specification SABS 1340 “Child restraining devices in motor vehicles” and bear a certification mark or approval mark.
(9) The MEC may exempt a person from the provisions of this regulation on such medical grounds and under such conditions he or she may deem expedient
(10) An exemption from wearing a seatbelt in a prescribed territory shall be deemed to be an exemption in terms of sub regulation (9) for the period of validity thereof.
(11) The driver of a motor vehicle shall ensure that all persons traveling in such motor vehicle shall wear a seat belt as contemplated in this regulation.

It would thus appear that if a child restraint is available then it should be used, else the child should be seated on an unoccupied seat and wear the seat belt. In the extreme instance where no seatbelts are fitted (very old vehicles) the child must be seated in the rear.

There is nothing specific about children under 3 years.

Meet the Number One Taxi Driver in the Northern Cape for 2008

Diamond Fields Advertiser

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Mothosi Brannie Jackson was announced the Northern Cape Winner of the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign at a prestigious Regional Prize Giving Ceremony that was held in Kimberley. Six Northern Cape district finalists gathered together in anticipation of the announcement. Mr. Jackson will represent the province at the National Finals Ceremony in Limpopo in October. His driving ability, theory knowledge and customer care will be tested during a three-day intensive driving programme at the Gerotek facility near Hartbeespoort Dam. This programme will be carried out by the Toyota Advanced Driving Academy.

“brandhouse is very proud to have found a driver of the calibre of Mr. Jackson. Through his driving ability he has proven that he has what it takes to represent the Northern Cape at the National Finals. We wish him all the best for the final phase of the campaign,” says Priscilla Singh, spokesperson for brandhouse.

“The campaign this year has placed special emphasis on further educating those drivers who are committed to providing quality service in roadworthy vehicles, while driving safely and with courtesy. We know that Mr. Jackson will be a great ambassador for the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign by being a safer taxi driver on the road, and imparting his valuable knowledge to his fellow drivers.

Northern Cape winner Mothasi Jackson was thrilled with winning the regional title and said: “I am so happy to be going to the National Finals next month. I will do my best and try to be the best taxi driver on the road from now on. I have learnt so much and will carry on trying. Thank you brandhouse!”

Mr. Jackson belongs to the Kathu taxi association. The route he covers is between Khatu and Kuruman. His prizes included R5 000 in cash, the owner of his taxi received an AA Safety Kit worth R2 500 and his taxi association received R2 500 as well. Second place went to Mr. Andrew Cupido who won R2 500. The third prize was R1 000 and was awarded to Mr. Thamsanqa Filifani.

The Regional Finals Prize Giving Ceremonies for the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign commenced in the Free State on 10th September and will conclude on 6th October in Limpopo. All 9 provincial finalists will come together in October and compete with each other for the prestigious title of the “brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver of 2008”. In addition, the National Winner will become the proud owner of a Toyota Ses’fikile vehicle.

The brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign is a brandhouse initiative, which is supported by the Department of Transport. In addition, Toyota is a sponsor of the Campaign, and is also supported by Arrive Alive and the RTMC, which are agencies within the Department of Transport. The Northern Cape leg of the Campaign has been endorsed by the MEC for Public Transport, Roads and Works, Mr. Thembalekhaya Madikane and from a national level, the Minister of Transport, Jeff Radebe.

Also visit the Arrive Alive website for info on “Minibus Taxis and Road Safety” and “The Number One Taxi Driver Campaign and Road Safety”

Meet the Number One Taxi Driver in the Western Cape for 2008

Cape Argus

 

 

 

 

Mr. Nazeem Abdurahman was announced the Western Cape Winner of the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign at a prestigious Regional Prize Giving Ceremony that was held in Cape Town. Six Western Cape district finalists gathered together in anticipation of the announcement. Mr. Abdurahman will represent the province at the National Finals Ceremony in Limpopo in October. His driving ability, theory knowledge and customer care will be tested during a three-day intensive driving programme at the Gerotek facility near Haartebeestpoort Dam. This programme will be carried out by the Toyota Advanced Driving Academy.

“brandhouse is very proud to have found a driver of the calibre of Mr. Abdurahman. Through his driving ability he has proven that he has what it takes to represent the Western Cape at the National Finals. We wish him all the best for the final phase of the campaign,” says Priscilla Singh, spokesperson for brandhouse.

“The campaign this year has placed special emphasis on further educating those drivers who are committed to providing quality service in roadworthy vehicles, while driving safely and with courtesy. We know that Mr. Abdurahman will be a great ambassador for the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign by being a safer taxi driver on the road, and imparting his valuable knowledge to his fellow drivers.

Western Cape winner Nazeem Abdurahman was thrilled with winning the regional title and said: “I am so happy to be going to the National Finals next month. I will do my best and try to be the best taxi driver on the road from now on. I have learnt so much and will carry on trying. Thank you brandhouse!”

Mr. Abdurahman belongs to the CALTA taxi association. The route he covers is between Mitchells Plain and West Gate Mall. His prizes included R5 000 in cash, the owner of his taxi received an AA Safety Kit worth R2 500 and his taxi association received R2 500 as well. Second place went to Mr. Lendile Ncamile who won R2 500. The third prize was R1 000 and was awarded to Mr. Faizel Rahman.

The Regional Finals Prize Giving Ceremonies for the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign commenced in the Free State on 10th September and will conclude on 6th October in Limpopo. All 9 provincial finalists will come together in October and compete with each other for the prestigious title of the “brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver of 2008”. In addition, the National Winner will become the proud owner of a Toyota Ses’fikile vehicle.

The brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign is a brandhouse initiative, which is supported by the Department of Transport. In addition, Toyota is a sponsor of the Campaign, and is also supported by Arrive Alive and the RTMC, which are agencies within the Department of Transport. The Western Cape leg of the Campaign has been endorsed by the MEC for Public Transport, Roads and Works, Mr. Marius Fransman and from a national level, the Minister of Transport, Jeff Radebe.

Also visit the Arrive Alive Website for info on “Minibus Taxis and Road Safety” and “The Number One Taxi Driver Campaign and Road Safety”

Meet the Number One Taxi Driver in the Free State for 2008!

Daily Sun

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Moeketsi Thakeli was announced the Free State Winner of the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign at a prestigious Regional Prize Giving Ceremony that was held in Bloemfontein. Ten Free State district finalists gathered together in anticipation of the announcement. Mr. Thakeli will represent the province at the National Finals Ceremony in Limpopo in October. His driving ability, theory knowledge and customer care will be tested during a three-day intensive driving programme at the Gerotek facility near Haartebeestpoort Dam. This programme will be carried out by the Toyota Advanced Driving Academy.

Free State Provincial Transport Registrar for the Department of Safety and Security Mr. Tota Lekehma said, “I commend the top ten regional drivers who have succeeded for 2008. You can look forward to a sustainable future in the taxi industry.” He also added, “However, you must realise that with this privilege comes responsibility to conduct yourselves in a professional manner that is required by the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign”.

“brandhouse is very proud to have found a driver of the calibre of Mr. Thakeli. Through his driving ability he has proven that he has what it takes to represent the Free State at the National Finals. We wish him all the best for the final phase of the campaign,” says Priscilla Singh, spokesperson for brandhouse.

“The campaign this year has placed special emphasis on further educating those drivers who are committed to providing quality service in roadworthy vehicles, while driving safely and with courtesy. We know that Mr. Thakeli will be a great ambassador for the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign by being a safer taxi driver on the road, and imparting his valuable knowledge to his fellow drivers.

Free State winner Moeketsi Thakeli was thrilled with winning the regional title and said: “I am so happy to be going to the National Finals next month. I will do my best and try to be the best taxi driver on the road from now on. I have learnt so much and will carry on trying. Thank you brandhouse!”

Mr. Thakeli belongs to the Matwabeng taxi association and entered the competition at the Senekal Taxi Rank. The routes he covers are rotational within the Free State and Gauteng. His prizes included R5 000 in cash, the owner of his taxi received an AA Safety Kit worth R2 500 and his taxi association received R2 500 as well. Second place went to Mr. Eliah Motapane who won R2 500. The third prize was R1 000 and was awarded to Mr. Pule Bloed.

The Finals Prize Giving Ceremonies for the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign will conclude on 6th October in Limpopo. All 9 provincial finalists will come together in October and compete with each other for the prestigious title of the “brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver of 2008”. In addition, the National Winner will become the proud owner of a Toyota Ses’fikile vehicle.

The brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign is a brandhouse initiative, which is supported by the Department of Transport. In addition, Toyota is a sponsor of the Campaign, and is also supported by Arrive Alive and the RTMC, which are agencies within the Department of Transport. The Free State leg of the Campaign has been endorsed by the MEC for Roads & Public Transport, Mr. Seiso Mohai, and from a national level, the Minister of Transport, Jeff Radebe.

Also visit the Arrive Alive Website for information on “Minibus Taxis and Road Safety” and “The Number One Taxi Driver Campaign and Road Safety”

Meet the Number One Taxi Driver in the Eastern Cape for 2008

The Herald

Mr. Thabang Pulling was announced the Eastern Cape Winner of the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign at a prestigious Regional Prize Giving Ceremony that was held in Umtata. Ten Eastern Cape district finalists gathered together in anticipation of the announcement. Mr. Pulling will represent the province at the National Finals Ceremony in Limpopo in October. His driving ability, theory knowledge and customer care will be tested during a three-day intensive driving programme at the Gerotek facility near Haartebeestpoort Dam. This programme will be carried out by the Toyota Advanced Driving Academy.

“brandhouse is very proud to have found a driver of the calibre of Mr. Thabang.. Through his driving ability he has proven that he has what it takes to represent the Eastern Cape at the National Finals. We wish him all the best for the final phase of the campaign,” says Priscilla Singh, spokesperson for brandhouse.

“The campaign this year has placed special emphasis on further educating those drivers who are committed to providing quality service in roadworthy vehicles, while driving safely and with courtesy. We know that Mr. Thakeli will be a great ambassador for the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign by being a safer taxi driver on the road, and imparting his valuable knowledge to his fellow drivers.

Eastern Cape winner Thabang Pulling was thrilled with winning the regional title and said: “I am so happy to be going to the National Finals next month. I will do my best and try to be the best taxi driver on the road from now on. I have learnt so much and will carry on trying. Thank you brandhouse!”

Mr. Thabang belongs to the Mount Fletcher taxi association. The routes he covers are between Mount Fletcher and Matatiyele.. His prizes included R5 000 in cash, the owner of his taxi received an AA Safety Kit worth R2 500 and his taxi association received R2 500 as well. Second place went to Mr. Lehlohnolo Phokojoe who won R2 500. The third prize was R1 000 and was awarded to Mr. Andile Jonas.

All 9 provincial finalists will come together in October and compete with each other for the prestigious title of the “brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver of 2008”. In addition, the National Winner will become the proud owner of a Toyota Ses’fikile vehicle.

Also visit the Arrive Alive Road Safety Website for info in “Minibus Taxis and Road Safety” and “The Number One Taxi Driver Campaign and Road Safety”

Who is the best taxi driver in South Africa?

Who is the best taxi driver in South Africa?

The South African taxi industry plays an important role in the economy considering that the majority of South Africans are poor and dependent on public transport. Public transport by taxis account for 65% of the transport total, with only 20% by bus and 15% by rail transport. It is therefore of extreme importance that road safety initiatives focus on this mode of transport.

Even though effective traffic enforcement plays an important role in removing lawless drivers and operators – it is also important to reward those dedicated drivers who care for the safety of their passengers and other road users.

The brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign places a special emphasis on further educating those drivers who are committed to providing quality service in roadworthy vehicles, while driving safely and with courtesy.

The brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign is a brandhouse initiative, which is supported by the Department of Transport. In addition, Toyota is a sponsor of the Campaign, and is also supported by Arrive Alive and the RTMC, which are agencies within the Department of Transport. The provincial legs of the Campaign has been endorsed by the various MEC’s for Public Transport, Roads and Works and on a national level, the Minister of Transport, Jeff Radebe.

It is envisaged that the drivers taking part in the brandhouse Number One Taxi Driver Campaign will not only be safer taxi drivers on the road, but will also be imparting their valuable knowledge to fellow drivers.

Regional winners will represent their provinces at the National Finals Ceremony in Limpopo in October. Their driving ability, theory knowledge and customer care will be tested during a three-day intensive driving programme at the Gerotek facility near Haartebeestpoort Dam. This programme will be carried out by the Toyota Advanced Driving Academy.

The Arrive Alive Road Safety Website and this Blog will recognize the achievements of these drivers. We would like to lend our support to the efforts to enhance the safety of our minibus drivers and their passengers. Safe driving behavior from these drivers will create the culture od safety which we so desperately need!!

Also visit the Arrive Alive Website for info on “Minibus Taxis and Road Safety” and “The Number One Taxi Driver Campaign and Road Safety”

Is it Motorbike safety or Motorcycle safety needing our attention?

Is it Motorbike safety or Motorcycle safety needing our attention?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The experts on “search engine optimization” say that web developers need to be aware of specific keywords when adding content to their websites. As a road safety enthusiast I have attempted not to neglect our biking community by adding safety advice and recommendations about motorcycle safety as well. But am I missing the point or the keywords? How do these road users prefer to be known – is it as bikers or motorcyclists? Are they driving bikes or motorcycles?

A search on this topic on Google provided interesting results:

Results 1 – 10 of about 1,660,000 for “motorbike safety”
Results 1 – 10 of about 1,040,000 for “motorcycle safety”

I also went to the website of the biking community at ThinkBike.co.za and found the following quote:

“The Think Bike Campaign was started by biking enthusiasts in South Africa, and is run by bikers, in the interests of road safety and public awareness. All too many motorcycle accidents happen because of a lack of awareness of the issues among the general motoring public.”

From the above it appears as if both terms might be appropriate! The Arrive Alive website will as a result attempt to provide the road safety suggestions under both these terms and enable those searching via the search engines to find the content required!

Visit the Arrive Alive website for information on “Motorcycle/ Motorbike Safety”

We need easily accessible and safe public transport!

We need easily accessible and safe public transport!

I could not resist exposing the classic advertising on this minibus taxi with the wording “fast…deadly!” Minibus taxis dominate the public transport industry in South Africa and much has to be done to shift the focus towards other modes of public transport. This will include a stronger focus on bus and rail transport.

A fast, comfortable and low cost urban transport system, called the “Bus Rapid Transit” (BRT) system, is being planned for the host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The implementation of high quality public transport networks will bring about benefits to public transport users. Some of the key benefits of the planned “Bus Rapid Transit System [BRT] is:

• Lower public transport costs.
• Reduced travel times.
• Extended hours of operation
• High frequencies along trunk corridors
• Full access for passenger with special needs
• Integrated fare structure through a common fare system on all modes on the network.

The Arrive Alive website will also provide more information on both “Minibus taxis and road safety” as well as “The bus industry and road safety”. This will include an emphasis on efforts by role players in these industries to enhance the fitness of drivers and measures to increase the safety of commuters.

The focus will be on South Africa in 2010 and our ability to provide safe transport to foreign and local visitors. May we strive to provide easily accessible and above all – safe transport!!

Motorists on N1 feel like cows –cash cows!

Motorists on N1 feel like cows –cash cows!

The Automobile Association of South Africa has criticised the manner in which speed limits have been arbitrarily assigned on some sections of Gauteng’s freeways currently undergoing roadworks. The AA was critical in particular of excessive changes in the speed limit on certain sections of road.

“One needs to distinguish between reductions in speed limits made to protect the safety of construction workers and blatant money-making,” said AASA Head of Public Affairs, Rob Handfield – Jones. “The bizarre positioning and spacing of some of the speed limit signs in the roadworks areas smacks of the authorities yet again using motorists as cash cows,” he said.

The AA said that the sensible solution for such a large roadworks project would have been to place variable electronic speed limit signs at the construction locations in order that speed limits could be adjusted dynamically in line with the amount of construction activity at the site, and also to compensate for changeable road restrictions.

The AA called on all partners in the freeway reconstruction project to impose speed limits which adequately protect the lives of construction workers without unnecessarily impacting on the free flow of traffic, especially at times and places where little or no construction is taking place. They have also called on motorists to show additional caution at construction locations by obeying all temporary road signs and extending their following distances.

I have had the unfortunate experience of being a cash cow myself – being caught for driving at 102km/h in a zone which allegedly should be a 80km/h zone. I cannot remember seeing the 80km/h signage – and will simply have to keep in mind that 80km/h will be the norm near any construction – and that signage or no –signage – the metro police would be in the vicinity of any construction area to milk me some more!!