|
Various road safety-related surveys will be conducted on-site in simulation of the real situation on our public roads. "The aim of this initiative is to raise awareness, and promote and increase road safety knowledge amongst CSIR employees. Activities will include surveys on safety-related aspects such as seatbelts, cell phone usage while driving, and road rage. Speed traps and license checks will also be undertaken during the week", says project leader Lynn Vermaak. "Other activities include the staging of a mock accident scene, a seminar on the topic 'Road Safety is Everyone's Business', launch of a traffic management website and the "CSIR Walk 4 Safety3, " when CSIR employees will walk around the campus escorted by traffic and road safety officials", she added. Thereafter, employees will have the opportunity to pledge their commitment to being safe road-users, after which the pledges will be handed over to a representative from the National Department of Transport.
For the first time in its history, WHO's Director-General has devoted a WHD specifically to road safety - a concept reflecting CSIR Transportek`s daily activities. Transportek boasts a wide variety of research focus areas, including traffic management, infrastructure engineering, construction and contractor development, transport planning and operations, technology and information management, rural transport and accessibility planning, as well as a technology transfer centre.
According to the WHO, nearly 1.2 million people are killed every year in road traffic collisions around the world. Despite this shocking figure, road accidents are largely neglected as a health issue, perhaps because it is viewed by many as being beyond our control.
The WHD is considered one of WHO`s key advocacy tools for reaching out and engaging the general public in debate and discussion on important health issues. WHO's mission with WHD 2004 is to advocate a "system approach" to road safety, which takes into consideration the key aspects of the system: the road user, the vehicle and the infrastructure.
-end-
Issued by: CSIR Group Communication. The CSIR is the largest R&D and implementation technology agency in Africa with a track record spanning more than 50 years. Structured around 8 distinct business areas, it delivers innovation and technology solutions in support of its clients and stakeholders. See www.CSIR.co.za or contact +27 12 841 2000.
|
