As Easter weekend approaches \u2014 a time marked by increased travel, festivities, and religious pilgrimages \u2014 the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) is ramping up its road safety campaign in response to a disturbing rise in traffic-related fatalities. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), in collaboration with Diageo Southern Africa and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, officially kicked off their Easter Road Safety Campaign at the Grasmere Toll Plaza on the N1 Freeway on April 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the State of Road Safety Report, South Africa witnessed 335 road deaths over the 2024 Easter weekend, a sharp increase from 252 fatalities in 2023 \u2014 an alarming 83 more lives lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ALSO READ: Johannesburg to Face an 8-Hour Power Outage: Here\u2019s a List of Affected Areas (15 April 2025)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla raised concerns about the rising number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths, which have now surpassed those of drivers and passengers. In Gauteng, one of the most dangerous hotspots is the N12 between Eldorado Park and Protea Glen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fihla said \u201cWe know that it is not permissible for any pedestrian or cyclist to be on a freeway, but many still cross busy highways at their own peril. These areas continue to register the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The campaign is not just about vehicle drivers. Many pedestrian deaths are due to individuals walking while intoxicated, especially during the Easter weekend when alcohol consumption rises significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ALSO READ: Gauteng May Shut Taxi Ranks as MEC Warns Operators to Prioritise Public Safety or Face Closur<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The road safety campaign has a lot of support, including Diageo Southern Africa and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, both of whom have committed to fighting drunk driving and promoting safe road habits through awareness and education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diageo\u2019s \u201cSober vs Drink Driving\u201d initiative encourages responsible alcohol consumption and seeks to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are proud to partner with JMPD and other stakeholders in this road safety campaign. Drunk driving is a significant factor in road deaths. Addressing it head-on through awareness and education is critical,\u201d Andrew Ross, Managing Director of Diageo SA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coca-Cola\u2019s \u201cRespect the Road\u201d initiative aligns with the JMPD\u2019s mission by aiming for a \u201cZero is Possible\u201d outcome \u2014 a vision of zero road fatalities through shared responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gareth Brandon, Regional Logistics Manager at Coca-Cola Beverages SA, emphasized: \u201cOur campaign is about driving meaningful behavior change. We believe community education can create safer road conditions for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nRoad Safety Crisis on Gauteng\u2019s Highways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Joint Forces for Safer Roads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Safety Outreach in Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n