The taxi industry is one of the most important links for millions of South Africans to travel to their places of work or leisure every day. It is of the utmost importance that taxi owners and drivers are well informed about all the laws governing our roads and are constantly reminded of ways and means to ensure their own safety and that of their passengers.
On 4 December 2019 a road safety training workshop for the members of the Free State Rainbow Meter Taxi Association was held at Lengau by the Transport Directorate’s Training Section headed by Assistant Director, Me. Rachel Scott, in collaboration with the Road Transport Management Corporation (RTMC).
The significance of driver and vehicle fitness as well as the basics of road safety ‘common sense’ – e.g. wearing your seatbelt; keeping to the speed limit; driving in a courteous and cautious way, etc. – was discussed and Me. Marietjie Bekker of the RTMC also let volunteers take part in an animated “driving under the influence” test. Although the incoherent actions of the volunteers when wearing the special goggles mimicking the effect of intoxication drew a lot of laughs, it was very clear that drunk driving is no laughing matter when you are a taxi driver.
The Transport Training division will continue with refresher road safety courses for taxi drivers in the new year.
