EASTER ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE BY THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORT

-­­­­­­­APRIL 2019

 

Greetings to the ALL EmaSwati;

We thank the Lord for keeping us safe over the past festive season to date.

We are fresh from celebrating key national events, especially that of Buganu celebrations, where again the Lord kept us safe.

As we begin the Easter season where we are expecting high traffic volumes as the nation and tourists will be travelling to their different destinations within the beautiful Kingdom of Eswatini, mostly religious celebrations as the Kingdom is known for its Christian principles.

For some, this will be an opportunity to visit family and friends. This again will further increase the traffic volumes on our road network.

Just after the Easters, the nation will be heading to Buhleni in their numbers to celebrate His Majesty, King Mswati III’s birthday.

The increase in traffic volumes calls for all road users to be extra cautious. We call for increasedcourtesy, patience and tolerance between drivers and pedestrians.

Statistics indicate that pedestrians are the most susceptible and vulnerable to road traffic crashes. That being said, the nation is cautioned to be extra vigilant in “Saving Lives”during the Easter season and at all times.

The Ministry of Public Works through the Road Safety Division urges road users to adhere to the following;

 

  1. I. Use roadworthy cars at all times. This will reduce inconveniences of not completing your intended journey in the manner you had planned.
  1. II. Pre-plan your journey to avoid over-speeding. Operators of Public Transport who will be hired to transport the nation to their different destinations must acquire the relevant permits on time.
  • III. Winter is upon us. The days become shorter than nights and that increases the chances of road users being caught by the fall of darkness before they reach their destinations. Pedestrians are urged to wear bright-coloured clothes for enhanced visibility which will help prevent accidents.
  1. IV. Latest vehicle models have automatic daylight driving lights.Drivers of vehicles without such are encouraged to turn on their lights even during the day to increase vehicle visibility to other road users.
  1. V. Cyclists and motorbike users are also classified among vulnerable road users (VRUs). They are prone and highly susceptible to road traffic crashes. They must always wear helmets for protection at all times. Motorbikes should also have their headlights on even during the day to minimise road traffic crashes.
  1. VI. The nation is requested not to board overloaded vehicles. Overloading compromises the vehicle safety standards and increases chances of road traffic crashes.
  • VII. To all road users, ensure that you all observe traffic signs. The Road Safety team will be all over the national roads promoting road safety. Please accord them a moment of your time to be educated on road safety.
  • We wish the nation prosperous Easters filled with the Peace of God.
  1. IX. We wish His Majesty, King Mswati III a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Prosperous Celebrations.

BAYETHE WENA WAPHAKATHI!!!

OffCanvas Menu