Motorbike drivers from Benoni in Ekurhuleni are concerned about their safety on the road. Video by Happy Mnguni @dailysunsa pic.twitter.com/6cle7JYHZq
— happy mnguni (@happy_mnguni) April 17, 2024
THE motorbike grocery and food delivery services are fast growing in Mzansi!
In every shopping mall, motorbike drivers collect food and groceries and head in different directions to deliver to customers.
However, the biggest challenge is safety on the roads, as some get involved in accidents.
To help drivers learn more about road safety, the Transport Education Training Authority (Teta) is rolling out a motorbike road safety campaign.
Teta co-ordinator, Sandile Nhlapo said the campaign aims to reduce motorbike accidents.
This comes in the wake of rising accident statistics that affect a lot of families and communities.
Releasing the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said during the period under review, 1 184 fatal crashes were recorded, compared to 2022/23, where 1 212 crashes were recorded.
Gauteng recorded a 7,6% increase in road fatalities.
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Nhlapo said it's important for road users to respect each other on Mzansi's motorways.
"It's for this reason the motorbike road safety campaign forms part of the road safety plan due to the increasing number of motorbike accidents on our roads.
"This campaign is targeted at the motorbike sector in general, including the fast food and large supermarket delivery businesses," said Nhlapo.
He said Teta will be part of the campaign to help people understand motorbike road safety measures.
“There'll be opportunities for motorbike drivers to learn more about safety on the road."
On Tuesday, 16 April, motorbike drivers in Northmead Square in Benoni and East Rand Mall in Boksburg said they were looking forward to learning about motorbike safety on the road.
One of the drivers, Emmanuel Uzor said motorists give them hard time on the road.
“They don't value us and our lives. When they see us, they disrespect and try to push us out of the way.
“These are some of the challenges we face daily. This campaign will make us vigilant and help us avoid road accidents,” said Emmanuel.
He said another challenge is the fear of being robbed by tsotsis.
“We're doing our job, which is to bring services to people."
Another motorbiker, Bright Malijata said the campaign will be helpful.
“We go through a lot these days. Some motorists don't follow the rules of the road. They drive through despite road signs that give us right way.
"I wish such a campaign is spread to all the nine provinces to help reduce accidents," he said.
