By 
Road safety is a major concern during the festive season, as most people will be travelling to their different destinations, road accidents are expected to increase and lives will be lost.
As part of the 2030 vision, to decrease road accident fatalities by 50%, the Acting Premier of the Free State Province Mr Jabu Mbalula launched the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign on the N1 North, just outside Bloemfontein under the bridge at Z.R Mahabane off-ramp to Winnie Mandela (formerly Brandfort) on Friday, 6 December 2024, where roadblocks were conducted and vehicles checked if they are road worthy and that drivers are properly documented and alert.
Mbalula was flanked by government stakeholders and business, including the MEC for Health Mr Monyatso Mahlatsi, Mangaung Metro MMC for Public Safety and Security Cllr Bongi Tsoleli and Coca-Cola.
During his address, Mbalula said road safety is vital; he outlined major focus areas for this year’s campaign. He reminded road users that the ultimate goal is to reduce road fatalities by 50% by 2030 as part of the Decade of Action for Road Safety that commenced in 2021 to 2030.
The Acting Premier Jabu Mbalula outlined key focus areas for the Decade of Action as follows:
Improved road safety management
Safer roads and mobility
Safer vehicles
Safer road users
Post-crash response
Mbalula said road safety is a collective responsibility and urged all road users to take action to prevent crashes and fatalities.
The Acting Premier reminded motorists and holiday makers to take a break every 200 kilometres or two hours, to ensure that they stay fresh and alert on the road.
“Road safety is a responsibility for all of us, and it starts with you!” said the Acting Premier of the Free State Province Jabu Mbalula.
Amongst the stakeholders present at the launch were Road Safety Infringement Agency (RTIA) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
