THIS week marks the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week (GRSW).

THE GRSW kicked off on Monday and runs until Sunday. The Western Cape Government said it was committed to the week. This year’s theme, #MakeWalkingSafe and #MakeCyclingSafe, focuses on ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on the roads. 

Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with nearly 1.2 million people killed and as many as 50 million people injured each year. In the Western Cape pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable, making up more than half of all road traffic fatalities.

“Pedestrians and cyclists remain among the most vulnerable, and the number of drunk driving arrests is deeply troubling. Behind every incident is a real person – a parent, a child, a friend, neighbour or colleague. We urge all road users to slow down, stay alert, and take personal responsibility for making our roads safer for everyone,” said Muneera Allie, Western Cape Mobility head of communication.

The 8th UN Global Road Safety Week is a chance to inspire action of all road users to ensure walking and cycling are safe in the Western Cape. 

Safety Tips for Pedestrians: Cross only at designated pedestrian crossings and bridges, avoid walking on highways and busy roads, wear visible or reflective clothing, especially at night or in poor weather conditions and stay alert – avoid distractions like phones or headphones near traffic.

Safety Tips for Cyclists: Use bike lanes where available, stay close to the left edge of the road, follow traffic signs and signals, ride with the flow of traffic, be visible, use front and rear lights when riding in the dark or when visibility is poor, signal with your hands when turning or changing lanes, watch out for road hazards and other road users, especially at intersections, always wear a properly fitting helmet and avoid using headphones while riding.