Youth Day was celebrated in Riviersonderend with members of the community learning more about staying safe on the roads and the importance of staying away from drugs and crime. The event was organised by the South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by the Department of Transport and Public Works and the Theewaterskloof Municipality.
Road safety is a key challenge in Theewaterskloof. At least seven child fatalities were reported in the area during 2015. This year, at least three child pedestrians have been killed in apparent “hit and run” incidents on a farm road outside Riviersonderend. A “road safety for children” project was initiated during Child Protection Week to mitigate the risk of further tragedies. On the day, participants found out how to keep themselves safer on the roads. Children at Bloemkraal Primary, RSE Primary and the Wiggle Waggle ECD Centre received reflective armbands to make themselves more visible on the road. They also got to play with road safety mascot Danny Cat.
The Department’s Road Safety Officer, Chris Abrahams, says road safety is everyone’s responsibility. “Child pedestrians walking along the road and playing in the streets are vulnerable. We will continue to create as much road safety awareness as possible to improve road user behaviour in the Theewaterskloof Municipality. Our aim is to reduce the number of fatalities.”
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Youth Day celebrated in Riviersonderend