Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Gauteng transport department has roped in churches in a bid to save lives during the Easter holidays, a period notorious for a high number of road fatalities.
“Our core message for this Easter period is for people to be safe on our roads across the province. This period is characterised by high road mobility.
“We have partnered with churches because they are influential and reach out to our people. They are the backbone of the moral fibre. They are at the forefront of building a moral and ethical nation.
“They help us with morality and understand what to do and what not to do. To win this battle, we have partnered with our churches. Saving lives can’t be done by the government alone. We need to work with churches to promote our message. They reach many people and can help promote the message of road safety.
Mamabolo said:
Mamabolo said pedestrians constituted the largest number of road fatalities and they needed churches to talk to congregations to exercise caution and follow rules of the road.
“We are pleading with churches to instil public road education. It is a fact that people also listen to messages from their church leaders.”
At least 150 people have died on Gauteng roads this festive season – traffic police
Mamabolo also pleaded with people to refrain from consuming alcohol before taking to the road.
“When a pedestrian walks on the road under the influence of alcohol, they can easily be hit by a vehicle. Pedestrians must be visible when walking on our roads. Cyclists and joggers must also be cautious.
“Motorists too must also refrain from drinking and driving. They must be cautious at all times. Another big problem is drivers who drink and drive.”
Mamabolo appealed to law enforcement to be hard on those who drove under the influence of alcohol.
He also cautioned motorists from using their cellphones on the road.
Mamabolo urged motorists to first inspect their vehicles before taking long trips.
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