Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Pty) Ltd (Bakwena), who manages the N1N4 toll route has reported an overall reduction of fatalities over December 2018 up to the middle of January 2019 period. A total of 9 fatalities were recorded in December, with none recorded between 1 and 15 January 2019 resulting in 3 less fatalities when compared to the previous year’s figures.
Spokesperson for Bakwena, Liam Clarke, says that this reduction can be attributed to an increase in visibility of law enforcement along the route, which included roadblocks where vehicles were checked for roadworthiness, overloading as well as drivers tested for alcohol abuse.
Road safety is a priority all year-round for Bakwena, not just over the holiday season. Bakwena has various road safety initiatives throughout the year aimed at educating children, pedestrians and motorists on road safety.
Due to the increase in traffic volumes over the holiday season, Bakwena implements additional measures to ensure that motorists plan their journeys to avoid travelling during the peak periods. Various campaigns aimed at driver behaviour included the Secure-A-Kid Campaign carried out in partnership with Wheel Well, an NPO that focuses on children in road safety, as well as COSBI signage (Control of Speed by Illusion) along the route, which is aimed at encouraging drivers to stick to the speed limit and abide by the rules of the road.
Bakwena continues to partner with traffic authorities from Tshwane Metro Police, Limpopo, Gauteng and the North West Province Traffic Authorities in an effort to reduce crashes and fatalities. The ongoing partnership with Motus Corporation and Hyundai saw an additional 6 patrol vehicles being added to the route to assist with visible policing, crash assistance as well as motorist assistance.
Clarke says that whilst there is a reduction in fatalities from last year, they are deeply saddened by the 9 fatalities that took place along their route, and will continue with their efforts to strive for zero fatalities.
“We would like to thank the local authorities, the Department of Transport, maintenance contractors as well as other stakeholders for their ongoing efforts in reducing incidents and fatalities on our country’s roads. We urge motorists to abide by the rules of the road at all times to arrive at their destination safely,” concludes Clarke.