As Transport Month draws to a close in South Africa the Road Safety Partnership South Africa (RSP-SA) is looking back on initiatives held by various organisations. The country is fortunate to have a month dedicated to the recognising the importance of the industry and road safety amongst government, private organisations and individuals. The RSP-SA encourages each person to continue focusing on road safety, especially as we enter a period with the highest road fatalities.
The RSP-SA says Transport Month has existed in South Africa since 2005. “Its intention is to raise awareness of the important role transport plays in the economy and to encourage all sectors to play a role in creating safer more accessible transport systems.
“Many organisations participated during October in various initiatives to increase road safety.
The government officially launched a campaign to construct four bridges in the North West. Private organisations also made a contribution like that run by Imperial which focused on vehicle safety for children. The South African public also played their part by supporting these initiatives and contributing in various ways.”
South Africans are proving we can all come together and try and make a difference. “The proof that a difference is within our control is also proof that it should not only be limited to one month of the year. As Transport Month comes to an end let us use the impetus we gained during this month to continue promoting road safety through the remainder of the year and into 2022.
“The roads are something most people use almost every day of their lives and therefore the focus on making safe and accessible roads shouldn’t be limited to just one month. Instead, we should each find our own way to continue contributing to this cause in some way, whether this is by making a commitment to changing your own driving or supporting road safety initiatives within organisations or through government initiatives. We encourage each person that uses the roads to continue making a difference.”
Every South African knows the high mortality rates on our roads is an acceptable. “We hope to share the knowledge that it’s only when all sectors work together that we can make the change that is needed and, more importantly, that we have the power to make this change. Thus, on the cusp of a new month take your dedication and commitment to road safety into a new month,” says RSP-SA.
About RSP SA
The RSP SA was developed in South Africa in 1999 as an organisation committed to creating a country free of crashes and the consequent death and injury that follows with the help of all sectors: government, the public and other organisations.
The organisation builds partnerships that are committed to sustainable reduction of road fatalities and injuries. This includes educating community members in close proximity to dangerous roads and working with stakeholders to help contribute to community safety. NRSP members align their strategies with governmental initiatives as stated by the international GRSP. The RSP SA shares knowledge with other countries and adopts international road safety best practice.
Road safety is an issue that has an effect internationally. While distinct to the international GRSP, the RSP SA does not work in isolation to that organisation. Together, the bodies will ensure that road safety does not fall off the map.
