In the month of love, Buddy encourages you to show you care by doing your bit for road safety. Road safety is a critical issue that affects us all. As citizens, we all have a role to play in keeping our roads safe for everyone. Here are a few ways you can show you care by contributing to road safety:
Citizens can contribute to road safety by following traffic laws and regulations, being aware of their surroundings while driving or walking, and practising defensive driving techniques. Additionally, citizens can report dangerous driving behaviour or road hazards to the appropriate authorities and participate in community campaigns to promote safe driving.
Follow traffic laws and regulations
This may seem like a no-brainer, but following the rules of the road is one of the most important things we can do to keep our streets safe. This includes obeying speed limits, traffic signals, road markings and signs, and using turn signals when changing lanes or turning.
Ditch the distraction – don’t use your mobile phone while driving
The National Road Traffic Act no. 32 of 1996 prohibits using a communication device while driving.
Section 1(a) of Regulation 308A states, “No person shall drive a vehicle on a public road, while holding a cellular or mobile telephone or any other communication device in one or both hands or with any part of their body.”
Be aware of your surroundings
Whether you’re driving, cycling, running or walking, it’s essential to be aware of what’s happening around you. This means keeping an eye (and an ear) out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards on the road.
Practice defensive driving techniques
Defensive driving is all about anticipating the actions of other drivers and being prepared to react to potential hazards. This includes keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you, scanning the road ahead for potential hazards, and being prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
Report dangerous driving behaviour or road hazards
If you see someone driving recklessly or notice a road hazard, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities. This will help keep the roads safe for everyone.
Participate in community campaigns to promote safe driving
Many communities have campaigns and programs to promote safe driving. By participating in these campaigns, you can help raise awareness about the importance of road safety and encourage others to drive safely.
Be extra cautious, patient and alert during load shedding
When our traffic lights are not working, there are several hazards to navigate. At many intersections, ‘volunteer’ pointsmen can confuse drivers. In addition, patience is at an all-time low and people tend to refrain from obeying the rules of a 4-ways-stop. Always double-check before proceeding. Watch Buddy show how to proceed at a traffic light during load shedding:
Always remember #3secondsforlife
#3secondsforlife is a Buddy initiative to share simple and practical advice you can apply as a road user to protecting yourself and fellow road users to ensure a safer passage for all. Learn more here.
In conclusion
By following these simple guidelines, we can all play a role in keeping our roads safe for everyone. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play in preventing accidents and injuries on the road. It begins with us!
