The sidewalks of the main road that passes by the Public Safety Headquarters in Martindale were packed with pupils from Newclare and Dowling primary schools recently when the JMPD marked Transport Month to teach schoolchildren about road safety.
Every motorist who passed by hooted in support of the pupils, who were also learning the meaning of road signs. The JMPD and the City’s Transport department hosted the event to educate schoolchildren, pedestrians, commuters, motorists, and public transportation operators about the importance of adhering to municipal bylaws and road safety.
“We’ve been inundated with reports of schoolchildren being hit by cars. The drivers appear to have no regard for the rules of the road and disregard pedestrian safety,” said Dorothy Mabuza, the Executive Director for Transport.
Mabuza said primary schools were the most vulnerable to road traffic violations because they are near major thoroughfares.
“Most motorists do not adhere to the rules of the road, that’s why we saw the need to collaborate with schoolchildren to send the message to motorists and everyone,” she said.
The arterial road that runs past Martindale is known to be congested during peak and off-peak hours, making it dangerous for schoolchildren who cross the street unsupervised, putting them at risk of an accident.
“We felt it was important as we commemorate transport month to prioritise this area. We hope road safety messages will be cultivated in the minds of all road users,” Mabuza added.
Enid Steenkamp, a librarian from Newclare Primary, said the initiative to educate pupils about road safety was commendable.
“This is a good initiative as it teaches schoolchildren about the importance of road signs. The learners are here in numbers to signal to motorists that public roads are a shared space with pedestrians,” said Steenkamp.
She applauded the City’s transport department and the JMPD for the initiative and hoped road users had heeded the message.
“We appreciate the initiative because it is aimed at all road users. Community outreaches like this should be done regularly because it refreshes children’s minds and reminds motorists about the importance of sharing the road with pedestrians,” Steenkamp emphasised.
Leago Sete, a Grade 7 learner who participated in the transport month initiative, said it had enhanced her knowledge of road safety.
“This initiative has made me realise how important it is for motorists to drive cautiously and to keep an eye out for pedestrians,” said Sete, urging motorists to drive within the speed limit.
“Motorists and pedestrians should always be aware of what is going on, on the road and follow all traffic laws.”
Written by Dakalo Ramudidibi
25/10/2022