9 Road Safety Slogans to start 2009!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. “Life’s short, don’t rush it”

2. If you know you are driving to your death –would you still drive so fast?

3. It’ better late than never.

4. Feel the curves but don’t hug them.

5. Love thy neighbour but not while driving.

6. Chance takers are accident makers.

7. If you want to stay married, divorce speed

8. Mountains are pleasure if you drive with leisure.

9. Be alert! Accidents hurt.

The Road Safety & Arrive Alive Blog wishes all our readers a blessed, safe and happy 2009!!

Protect our most vulnerable road users!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every ten minutes a child is injured or killed in a crash on South African roads. The theme for the end-of year road safety campaign addresses this issue by saying that: “We are all vulnerable, but some are more vulnerable than others”.

The most vulnerable are pedestrian children, elderly and handicap people and they deserve particular attention. Although the proportion varies considerably from country to country the vulnerable road users represent about 1/3 of the people killed in road accidents.

In his address at World Remembrance Day – the Minister of Transport said: “Through the RTMC the proportion of children escorted at crossings near schools is increasing tremendously. As a society we need to realize that with people older than 65 years, their sight and hearing are declining. Their capacity to process available information in time to take a correct decision is also decreasing. Because of their fragility the consequences of accidents are generally much more severe for them as for young people.”

Petro Kruger, Director of The Road Safety Foundation has also alerted the public to the threats facing our children on the road: “Our children are not educated on safe use or made adequately aware of the dangers they face on the roads every day. Together with our partners we aim to create road safety awareness amongst our children and their parents and caregivers to reduce the number of child injuries and fatalities.”

Always remember the following Arrive Alive safety tips:

• Buckle up as seatbelts save lives;
• Slow down as driving too fast is a factor in 75% of fatal crashes;
• Be patient as a decrease of 10% in speed reduces fatal crashes by 40%;
• Cross where it is safe to do so and wear bright clothes at night;
• Sober up as drunk driving leads to fatal crashes;
• When tired rest every 2 hours or every 200 kilometres; and
• Service and maintain your vehicle properly.

Visit the Arrive Alive website for more info on children and road safety.

[ps. This photo was "posed" in a stationary vehicle]

Special caution required when driving pillion on the motorbikes

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have read about a horrific motorbike accident earlier today that occurred near Christchurch in New Zeeland. It has been reported that three people are dead and a fourth is fighting for her life after this accident. The motorbikes were travelling in the opposite direction when they collided head on.

Police said one of the bikes was over-taking vehicles when the accident happened. It could be several days before Serious Crash Investigators have their final report into how the triple fatal accident happened. The two bikes that hit each other head-on both carried men whose wives were riding as pillion passengers.

This reminded me of the assistance that the Arrive Alive website received recently in adding content on children driving as pillion. I am no expert on motorbike safety – and believe that we need to consult with the experts in our attempts at enhancing awareness of road safety.

“Capt Blindspot” [Ruari Plint]provided us with important safety information – and I would like to invite readers to view the info on “Motorbike safety and children driving as pillion”.

We would like to urge all bikers to join the Think Bike safety initiative!

Matric results should not be a death sentence!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We will find that thousands of scholars will celebrate their matric results later today! There will however also be those who are bitterly disappointed and who might feel that their expectations have been slashed by disappointing results.
Lifeline has revealed that many more calls are received from distressed people at this time of year – and have urged parents and family members to be sensitive and act calmly to any disappointing news.

The lifeline number is 0 0861 322 322.

The Arrive Alive & Road Safety Blog would like to urge all students to celebrate responsibly – and to show sensitivity towards their less fortunate friends.

If you go on the roads – drive responsibly – don’t destroy years of hard work through moments of irresponsible behaviour on the road!

Visit the Arrive Alive website for more information about road safety and safe driving!

We might beat the Aussies in cricket – but lose badly in road safety!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was viewing the cricket in the early hours of the morning and am quite excited at the prospect of finally clinching a series victory. Later in the morning I read a blog post about road safety authorities in Australia pleading for motorists to Arrive Alive.

I would like to quote some interesting numbers from this story:

“ As of last night 99 people had been killed on South Australian roads and with only three days left of the year, the state is on track to record its lowest road toll ever. This year’s road toll is significantly lower than last year’s total of 125 fatalities…
So far this year we have had a pleasing result in a reduction of the road toll. But too many people think it won’t happen to them. They don’t understand how their drink driving, their speeding or their inattention can kill people, but it can….

The holiday season is notorious for road crashes and just over a week into the Christmas/New year period 39 people have been killed around the country. “

The interesting number is the 39 fatalities referred to as fatalities nationally “just over a week into the Christmas / New year period. “

In South Africa we have recorded from 1 December to 23 December more than 630 fatalities! Last year Australia had approximately 1,600 road deaths – and South Africa recorded more than 14,200.

We can argue, to keep with the cricket reference that our pitches [roads] differ and our players [road users] also differ – but fact remains that we are not in the same league yet when it comes to our efforts to improve road safety.

We can only hope that we will one day be able to compete with Australia in the battle to reduce road fatalities!!

Visit the Arrive Alive website for more info about road safety in South Africa!

Once you have arrived safely – pay attention to swimming safety!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was witness to an unfortunate event at Victoria Bay in the Southern Cape yesterday. A swimmer got into difficulty in strong currents and attempts to resuscitate him was unsuccessful. As I drove back from George to Oudtshoorn the news report on radio informed me that a 42year old man drowned at Victoria Bay.

On the Road Safety & Arrive Alive Blog and the Arrive Alive website we try to assist motorists and travellers to arrive safely at their destinations. I have however decided also to write this Blog post with a few safety recommendations on swimming safety:

Once you have arrived safely at your destination, how can you be safe in the sea?

• Before entering the sea swimmers should take time to watch the waves and should avoid places where there is a strong backwash, obvious rip currents or a danger of being washed onto rocks.
• Check the weather and tides before you leave home – if the sea’s too rough then you could get swept away.
• Only enter where the waves are straight and gentle.
• If you experience a strong current get out of the sea, or remain well within your depth.
• It is better to swim when the tide is rising as the sea will tend to wash you ashore and the backwash and rip currents are not so strong.
• Check with the lifeguard on surf conditions before swimming.
• If lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the stand, obey them. Look out for warning signs and flags:
  - Red flag means it’s dangerous to swim.
  - Red and yellow flag means lifeguards are on patrol and you should swim in the area between flags.
• Be considerate of other swimmers especially when surfing.
• Never swim while intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgement, unnecessary risks are taken and a swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident.
• Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of getting cramps.
• Don’t dive into shallow sea – there are many paraplegics who broke their necks diving into shallow pools.
• Don’t swim in river mouths, dirty water or when bluebottles are present.
• Never swim alone – use the buddy system.
• Don’t overestimate your swimming ability, especially early in the summer when the water is cold. Swimming ability is severely decreased in cold water.
• If you are confronted by a large wave and there is not enough time to get away from it, try to dive underneath the wave. Keep your body as low as possible until the wave passes over you. Timing is important, dive into the base of the wave just before it breaks. Do not dive if the water is too shallow – instead crouch and keep a low body profile.
• If caught in rip currents, relax and swim toward the shore at a 45-degree angle until you are free of the current.
• Do not try to swim ashore against the current – it will only tire you.
• If the rip currents are strong, swim parallel with the shoreline in the same direction as the littoral current and then swim diagonally toward the shore.
• If you are not able to swim out of the currents, call or wave for help.

More important information is available from the American Red Cross at “Safety Tips for the Beach”

Tips for defensive driving

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a country where we find many instances of road rage and aggressive driving it is important that we find those guidelines that will help us to drive safe and defensively! I have come across a blog titled “Defensive and efficient driving: A roadtripper’s key to road Zen” which describes the essence of defensive driving and would like to share these suggestions:

1. Before starting your car, be sure that you have buckled up everyone, including children and pets (if any)

2. Stay in the speed limit. In some areas, (especially highly urbanized zones) driving too fast or too slow will increase your chance of a collision.

3. Be cautious of changing situations on the road and be prepared to respond quickly. If you notice a car that’s straddling, weaving, making wide turns, stopping suddenly or not responding to traffic signals, then know that the driver may be impaired or distracted. Probable causes could be alcohol, distraction or on the phone.

4. Stay away from impaired drivers. Slow down a bit to increase following distance. If the driver is behind you, turn at the nearest corner. Always remember to never let or encourage an impaired driver pass you. If a vehicle crosses over into your lane, pull over the roadside. Sound your horn or flash lights to attract attention.

5. Maintain presence of mind to quickly respond to any situation. Never drink and drive. Never use your mobile phone while on the road.

5. Always follow traffic rules and regulations. Never contest right of way or engage racing on busy roads.

6. Always observe courtesy and respect for other drivers.

May these suggestions be put included in our New Year Resolutions for 2009! Visit the Arrive Alive road safety website for more info on safe driving!

Mpumalanga clamps down on unroadworthy vehicles

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mpumalanga’s Department of Roads and Transport has impounded 85 vehicles on the roads since yesterday. The Department held a night long road block on the N4 road going into Mozambique.

Roads and Transport spokesperson David Nkambule says they want to make sure that all vehicles on the province’s roads are roadworthy, especially buses and taxis. The province has this year experienced a number of fatal accidents involving buses. Nkambule says five buses were pulled off from the road last night.

Nkambule warns motorists not to drink and drive: “We are continuing with our Sivutha Umlilo campaign. We are continuing with our visibility patrolling on the problematic roads – N4, R40, N12 and R573. We’ve noticed this morning that traffic is not as heavy as it was yesterday,” says Nkambule.

Visit the Arrive Alive website for for road safety advice and suggestions!

December collision stats and road safety advice from Netcare 911

 

 

 

 

 

Since 01 December 2008 until 23h59 on Monday night 22 December 2008, the Netcare 911 national call centre has dispatched emergency vehicles to 2103 motor vehicle collisions and 353 pedestrian collisions . These are numbers for incidents throughout South Africa.

The combined total for all the regions in SA is 2456 collisions, below are the busiest regions:

1) Gauteng: 903 motor vehicle and 155 pedestrian collisions.
2) Kzn: 492 motor vehicle and 84 pedestrian collisions.
3) Eastern and Western Cape: 175 motor vehicle and 40 pedestrian collisions.
4) Free State: 154 motor vehicle and 20 pedestrian collisions.

These collision scenes ranged from relatively minor to multiple injuries and fatalities on one scene.

This years stats compared to those of 2007:

For the entire month of December 2007, the Netcare 911 national call centre dispatched emergency vehicles to 3096 motor vehicle collisions and 526 pedestrian collisions. These numbers are for incidents throughout South Africa.

Travel advice:

• With the Christmas long weekend just around a few days away, there is still a possibility of major traffic movement on the roads around the country.
• With this in mind we would like to remind all drivers that they are not only responsible for their own safety but also for the safety of all of their passengers, as well as all the motorists and pedestrians around them as they travel. Reckless and irresponsible behaviour of just one driver could result in the injury of any person in their vicinity.
• We encourage all road users to abide by the rules of the road, no speeding, no drinking and driving, no illegal use of cellular telephones and to ensure that all occupants are wearing their safety belts.
• Unroadworthy vehicles have the potential to breakdown at the most inconvenient time.

If you are undertaking a long journey remember these safety tips:

• Rest well and do not drink heavily the night before a long journey,
• driving with your vehicles headlights on during the day makes you more visible to other motorists, pedestrians and animals,
• check your vehicle thoroughly several days before setting out on a journey ( windscreen wipers, tyres, rear lights etc), ensure that your cell phone is charged and that you know the emergency numbers.
• Ensure that your first aid kit is stocked and replace old/damaged latex gloves or expired ointments/medications.
• If you stop at a collision, make sure that you and your family are safe otherwise if you feel that it may be unsafe to stop then report the collision to the emergency services.
• Remember that only trained people should stop and assist at an emergency scene, and never move the injured person unless their life depends on it, for example, they are unconscious in a burning car.
• A good intention of putting a pillow under a victims head may result in serious spinal injuries.
• Please travel safely, avoid road rage and remember that the holiday starts the night before you leave.

Nick Dollman
Media Liaison
NETCARE 911
Emergency No. 082 911

Keep in mind that emergency information is available on your cellular phone on the mobile road safety website at arrivealive.mobi

Accident death toll and how we look at these fatalities!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before the start of the December road safety campaign I had a meeting at the RTMC in Pretoria and a discussion was held about media awareness and plans for December etc. I was told that the RTMC would like to move away from the big media splash with regards to daily death toll numbers and accident stories.

I was informed that: “The Communication Strategy drive this year of the RTMC is such that we position a Positive Approach and a Positive News rather than negative as has been the case in the recent past years…the communication strategy this year to have more of a positive spin even though we will have accidents (and deaths) but let us drive it differently this year. Such that even the “Slogan” for this year should be more a positive catch than the usual…
This would involve that “ we shun away from frequent reports and constant reports of “deaths” this year, we should by all means shun away from that line but report thousands and thousands of people arriving alive. We should lean more towards the legendary campaign of the USA elections which seem to suggest positiveness such as : Change- we need. Yes We Can. Something positive. “

I read in the media that the RTMC did provide the latest accident statsistics, and i would like to quote:

“ At least 623 people have been killed on South African roads so far this month, a rate of nearly 30 deaths a day, the Road Traffic Management Corporation said on Monday. The death toll, however, is nearly half of that recorded in the same period last year when road accidents claimed 1 144 lives, the agency said. Since the beginning of the month, 247 passengers, 190 pedestrians and 186 drivers have died with officials naming speeding, fatigue and unsafe overtaking as the main causes of accidents.”

The media will always report on what is news and what grabs the attention. It is unfortunately so that a safe traveller does not get the attention that a fatal accident and blood across the road will do. Perhaps that is also justified – as it should not be a miracle when a person arrives alive at his destination – and it should be something extraordinary when he fails to arrive alive….!

What does this death toll tell us?

- That 623 people are there no more
- That families of 623 people are having a Christmas without cheer and joy
- That we need to focus our attention on every accident causing these deaths and not only on those accidents that involved multiple fatalities.
- That we should learn from this and do everything possible to reduce these deaths in years to come!

Also read: Road Deaths – What is a good number?