Remembering road traffic victims: Drive More Safely's call to action in KZN

Non-profit organisation Drive More Safely is hosting a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in Vryheid, northern KwaZulu-Natal, this Sunday.

Observed annually on the third Sunday of November, this year's theme is “Safe Speeds Save Lives”.

Alida Venter, the organisation's founding member, emphasised that Drive More Safely is a member of the UN and presents this important day annually, despite it being sadly overlooked.

“It is heartbreaking that the Department of Transport doesn't make this a very important day on the road safety activity calendar,” she stated.

Venter highlighted the tragic loss of 27 lives in just three months in the Vryheid area, underscoring serious road safety concerns.

“We lose over a million lives on the roads around the world, and on this day, we remember those victims and the loved ones who stayed behind to pick up the pieces,” she said.

The alarming statistic is attributed to various factors, including poor road behaviour, inadequate road conditions, insufficient vehicle maintenance, and issues with driver fitness and training.

“Having this event gives us the opportunity to highlight these issues and empower and educate our road users. If we even reach one person, we have saved a family,” Venter added.

Venter's passion lies within rural areas, which she believes are often neglected.

“We need to keep in mind that rural areas are very neglected when it comes to functions or activities that make a difference. Large developed areas are mostly chosen for projects because they are easily accessible and have supporting infrastructure,” she explained.

The loss of 11,000 lives on South African roads each year is not considered a national disaster, which Venter sees as a serious problem.

“Road fatalities not only destroy families, they play a massive part in the economy. Just imagine what can be done for job creation with the billions spent on road crashes and fatalities that could be prevented.”

Venter is driven by the memory of her son, who was killed by a drunken driver.

“The horror never leaves me. The devastation is a daily reminder, and I’m trying to ensure that no other family goes through the hell I experienced.” 

The organisation's message is clear: if you lose a loved one in a road crash, you are not alone.

“But our strong message is that when you get behind the controls of your vehicle, you are the responsible one, not the government, not the traffic officer, not me; it is your responsibility. Drive with care, adhere to the rules, and our roads will become a safe place,” Venter urged.

Drive More Safely is a community organisation that is supported by local residents and intervenes where needed.

“Road safety is everyone's shared responsibility, as all road users are equally affected. Working together, we can reach more people, and the message travels quicker to areas we don't often reach,” she stated.

The event begins at 9am at NG Kerk Suid-Oos, featuring a candle lighting ceremony for families to remember and honour lost loved ones.

The traditional human chain will be replaced by an honour drive through the town, where first responders, including SAPS, emergency services, and private vehicles, will drive with lights flashing and sirens to pay tribute to road crash victims.

Although Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy cannot attend, a representative will act on behalf of Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

Venter also identified safety around schools as a key priority for future projects, along with the launch of the Be Road Safe Kid's Courts, a new approach to addressing road behaviour.

In conclusion, Venter reiterated the importance of road safety: “Adhere to the rules of the road and be responsible.”

karen.singh@inlco.za