Call for Youth to Arrive Alive


Johannesburg: As part of Youth Month activities, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is undertaking a road safety awareness drive to educate young people about measures they can take to protect their lives while using the roads. ‘We call on young people to play their role and save their lives by reducing high speeds and avoiding drunken driving especially on weekends between Saturday and Sunday between 5pm and 9pm, when most fatalities occur,’ the RTMC said on Friday.



According to South African Government News Agency, the RTMC advised young people to be vigilant on the roads as the winter season is characterised by adverse weather conditions that can affect safe driving. “The winter season will be further characterised by short days resulting in increased night travelling especially over weekends. Misty conditions are expected in parts of the country along KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo and Western Cape. Snowy and slippery conditions from black ice or thin invisible ice on the paved roads are expected along the high mountainous areas of the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu Natal. ‘Additionally, we emphasise that tyre maintenance is key in ensuring tyres are in good condition and tread depth is at a minimum of 1.6mm. Grip starts to reduce on anything under 3mm. Following this simple recommendation will help young people to keep safe on the roads throughout the winter season,’ RTMC said.



In the past four years, road fatalities during the month of June averaged a total of 1,044 every year. Trends in South Africa indicate that young people between the ages of 20 and 39 constitute more than half of the people who die on the roads daily as a result of road crashes. The most common type of crash relates to accidents with pedestrians, hit-and-run type of accidents, overturned single vehicles, and head-on collisions.



Road users are advised to follow these safety tips: Ensure brakes are functioning correctly. Check that all lights are working properly, including headlights, taillights, and signal lights. Check weather forecasts and road conditions. Plan your route to avoid areas known for hazardous road conditions. Your stopping distance on wet roads increases from what it usually is. Do not drive too close to the car in front of you. Use fog lights to increase visibility so other drivers are able to see you. When driving in wet road conditions, give yourself enough time. Leave earlier and avoid speeding. Listen to local news or use information channels to stay updated on weather and traffic conditions. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads. Maintain full control of your vehicle to respond quickly to sudden changes in road conditions. Avoid sudden movements like quick acceleration or braking. Turn on your headlights even during daylight for increased visibility. Be aware of potential hazards like stray animals.



South Africa commemorates Youth Month annually in June. This year’s commemorations take place under the theme ‘Skills for the Changing World: Empowering Youth for Meaningful Economic Participation,’ a theme aimed at responding to structural challenges that young people continue to navigate daily.