SAB launched its C.A.R.E campaign, this week, encouraging driver safety, with its directly employed and independent truck drivers taking the lead in this respect.
C.A.R.E calls for road users be Courteous, practice Alertness, be Responsive and to Ensure the safety of all.
Courteous – be considerate on the road at all times. Keep to the left lane and only overtake on the right hand side of the road.
Alertness – Be vigilant and maintain strong awareness at all times. Know that other drivers and pedestrian crossings and overtaking on solid lines.
Responsive – keep awake to stay alive. Be responsive and save lives.
Ensure – ensure that you do everything you can to safeguard and preserve life.
“We want all road users to stay safe on the roads this Easter, have a pleasant holiday and to come home safely to their families and loved ones,” says Zoleka Lisa, Senior Director Corporate Affairs, SAB and AB InBev Africa.
The intention of the C.A.R.E campaign is to heighten road safety awareness with a key focus on promoting good driver behaviour amongst SAB distribution vehicle drivers that serve to minimise potential accidents, injuries and fatalities, and has the wellbeing of communities in mind.
“While road safety and driver behaviour is a critical component of every day operation throughout the year, a special focus this Easter weekend will ensure heightened awareness and vigilance amongst our drivers during a very busy road period,” Lifikile Luke, SAB Logistics Safety Manager for South African Africa.
In the days leading to the Easter weekend, during and after, a special focus will be placed on pre-trip vehicle inspections; defensive driving, including overtaking, safe following distance and speeding; fatigue management; the use of mobile phones while driving; and driving in congested and high pedestrian traffic areas.
SAB is encouraging all road users to practice caution and bear the C.A.R.E message in mind this Easter weekend.
According to the National Department of Transport, there were 510 deaths as a result of road accidents during the Easter 2018 holiday period, 14% more than in the previous year. Drinking and driving is one of the contributory factors to road accidents during this period involving pedestrians and motorists.
In partnership with traffic authorities in various parts of the country, SAB will help to encourage safety and more responsible alcohol consumption behaviour.
“In a country where misuse of alcohol is prevalent, the need for interventions aimed at addressing this habit is pressing. SAB is investing in science-based programmes to advance positive social behaviour change and address harm reduction head-on. “At SAB we believe that smart drinking choices affect everyone, every day. We are committed to helping foster a global culture of responsible behaviour to reduce the harmful use of alcohol,” says Zoleka Lisa, Senior Director Corporate Affairs, SAB and AB InBev.
In KwaZulu-Natal, SAB launched an Alcohol Evidence Centre (AEC) this month. The state-of-the-art AEC is equipped with all the necessary equipment required by law enforcement officials to accurately and efficiently determine the breath alcohol level of a person suspected of driving under the influence.
The SAB Smart Drinking Squad, comprising a group of individuals who help educate retailers and communities on responsible consumption, will be engaging drivers during this period.
In the North West and Free State, SAB has partnered with the local Traffic Departments on their Easter Road Safety Campaign, creating awareness on the dangers of drinking and driving, texting and driving, speeding, and the importance of resting and obeying the rules of the road.
In Gauteng, at the Rand Easter Show in the south of Johannesburg, and surrounding areas, including within Soweto, and in Pretoria, SAB will be handing out breathalysers and road safety pamphlets to drivers during a two-day awareness campaign.
