THE motorbike road safety campaign focuses on motorbike delivery drivers, aiming to improve road safety.
The campaign awareness was held at East Rand Mall in Boksburg on Friday, 26 April
Haremakale Ramakhetheng, an officer of strategic project at Transport Education Training Authority (Teta), mentioned their partnership with MEPHA Trading to boost awareness about motorcycle road safety and encourage responsible driving within the community.
The goal is to increase awareness and safeguard everyone, including pedestrians, car drivers, and motorbike riders. Motorbike accidents are a significant issue on South African roads.
From January 2023 to now, there have been over 1,000 motorcycle accidents, with 187 riders losing their lives. In 72% of these incidents, other vehicles were involved.
"Most accidents occur in cities due to many risk factors like other vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions," Ramakhetheng explained.
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A report by the Automobile Association (AA) highlighted speeding, right-of-way violations, and judgment errors as the main accident causes. A rising concern is the increase in unlicensed and untrained motorcycle riders, leading to more accidents and deaths.
"We want to remind everyone that the road is for all to share responsibly. Remembering to keep left and overtake on the right can prevent many tragedies," she added.
Motorbike driver Thiriso Chirwa shared their experiences of being marginalized by other motorists.
"We face a lot of discrimination, especially from those unwilling to share the road, often feeling disrespected, particularly by taxi drivers," Chirwa said.
Another rider, Chamala Dube, said: "We try to follow road rules, but some motorists still overtake us dangerously, even at stop signs."
Constable Mannete Gono from the Ekurhuleni Metro Police for Community Safety urged all road users to respect one another.
"If motorbike riders face issues with taxi drivers or other motorists, they should note the number plates and report it to the EMPD. We investigate these complaints seriously, and the guilty parties face consequences," Gono stated.
