Latest news with #EugeneHerbert
IOL News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Fewer Cape Town drivers are getting caught distracted behind the wheel
The City of Cape Town attributed this reduction to a combination of increased access to in-vehicle technology as well as greater compliance from drivers. Image: Supplied Following the recent observance of the international month dedicated to raising awareness about driving while distracted (DWD), the City of Cape Town has reported promising developments that signal a shift in driver behaviour. Between July 2022 and June 2024, the Cape Town authorities noted a remarkable 16% decrease in the impounding of cellphones from drivers caught in the act. Additionally, cellphone-related offences declined by 11.5%, highlighting a positive trend in road safety. This encouraging improvement has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the increased availability of advanced in-vehicle technology and a noticeable rise in compliance among drivers. Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, expressed optimism regarding these figures. 'This decrease in cellphone usage while driving in the City of Cape Town is encouraging and suggests that change may be on the horizon,' he stated. However, Herbert underscored the need for a nationwide evaluation of these trends, noting that data from a South African insurer indicates that a staggering 60% of drivers still engage with their phones while behind the wheel. 'It would be even more encouraging if the same decrease was seen throughout the country,' he emphasised, highlighting the complexity of tackling this public safety issue nationwide. Anticipated regulatory changes slated for implementation in 2025 could play a vital role in further curbing DWD across South Africa. Proposed amendments will see harsher financial penalties imposed on offenders caught using their phones while driving. Importantly, the regulations will expand to address drivers who are stationary at traffic lights, a situation that has often been overlooked in current legislation. The emphasis on penalties is coupled with a move towards a more proactive approach. 'If drivers are repeatedly penalised for DWD offences, further action will be taken,' Herbert noted. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Offenders may be mandated to attend driving behaviour correction courses, a strategy designed to instil long-lasting changes in behaviour rather than simply relying on financial repercussions. According to a recent survey conducted by USA publications, Heavy Duty Truck and Work Truck, driver training has emerged as one of the five most effective strategies in enhancing road safety. The survey suggests that effective driver training is essential for the successful implementation of other safety measures, particularly in combating DWD. 'The other strategies, such as vehicle maintenance, implementing written policies and procedures, strict hiring standards, and cultivating a safety culture, all depend on driver training to varying degrees to maximise their effectiveness in creating safer roads,' said Herbert. Overall, the statistics released by the City of Cape Town, combined with the potential regulatory changes and the strict enforcement of DWD policies, are set to prioritise the commitment needed to address this pressing issue. 'We trust that these steps in the right direction will provide a more effective means of stopping further use of cellphones and, consequently, reduce distracted driving as well,' Herbert concluded. IOL
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Tips that can save a pedestrian's life
The 8th UN Global Road Safety Week took place from 12 to 18 May. This year's focus was to make walking and cycling safer through stakeholder interventions, among them governments, international agencies, civil society, businesses and schools. Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with nearly 1.2 million people killed and up to 50 million injured each year. 'Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities are the leading killer of young people aged 5 to 29 years. The UN says, globally, more than 1 of every 4 deaths occurs among pedestrians and cyclists,' said MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert. 'In recent years, there has been encouragement of walking and cycling instead of using vehicles as it is a sustainable and economically advantageous mode of transport. 'Along with this movement, attention also needs to be paid to creating conditions where pedestrians and cyclists are not at greater risk of injury or fatality. 'Irrespective of whether or not government and other organisations make a safe environment for road users, drivers need to be aware of all road users, whether in a vehicle or not.' Driving techniques to reduce pedestrian accidents: • Try to make eye contact with pedestrians, never assume they know you are there and aware of your intended movement • Exert extra caution and slow down in areas with high pedestrian traffic such as in city centres and near schools • Check your blind spots for pedestrians while driving • Remember pedestrians always have right of way. Even if they do something wrong, it is the driver's responsibility to avoid colliding with them • Pay extra attention at night for people at the side of the road or a flash of movement • If you see a pedestrian showing signs of intoxication, increase the distance between you and them, and be ready to act if they stumble and fall into your path • Avoid distracted driving as it becomes an even bigger danger when pedestrians are on the road • Keep your lights on at all hours when driving to increase your visibility Follow these steps and play your part in reducing pedestrian road accidents, fatalities and injuries with a few adjustments to your driving. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Easter weekend sees significant crackdown on drunk driving in South Africa
More than 500 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence over the past Easter weekend. Image: WCG This past Easter weekend, law enforcement agencies across South Africa took a significant step towards road safety, arresting over 500 drivers for driving under the influence (DUI). As the nation approaches another two consecutive long weekends—which notably coincide with many people's payday—the urgent call for attention to the threat of drunk driving remains greater than ever. Despite the success of apprehending such a large number of unsafe drivers, the statistics starkly indicate that drunk driving continues to plague South African roads. Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, urged policymakers and the public alike to prioritise the strategies that proved effective over the Easter weekend. 'Authorities should replicate measures taken over Easter weekend to keep these reckless drivers off the road. Additionally, as we face another two weekends where drivers are more likely to drive after drinking, the past weekend should serve as a warning that every organisation must take extremely seriously.' The ongoing campaign to eliminate drunk driving garnered fresh momentum during a recent roundtable discussion hosted by This collaborative effort saw thought leaders from various sectors, including the automotive industry, road safety organisations, and government agencies, come together to brainstorm sustainable solutions. 'Eliminating drunk driving is something MasterDrive prioritises. The organisation drives this message home through various activations that emphasise the danger of driving under the influence,' Herbert said. One such initiative, the 'Drunk Buster Goggles,' allows participants to experience the impairments associated with alcohol consumption while behind the wheel of a motorised scooter. This eye-opening experience leaves drivers with a stark understanding of how alcohol can affect vision and reaction times, emphasising the harsh realities of driving under the influence. This year marks a significant continuation of impactful Road Safety Programme, which has already shown considerable results in its first year. Notable achievements from the previous year included: 10,618 roadblocks conducted 9,894 arrests for drunk driving 275 offenders enrolled in the NICRO rehabilitation programme, with 95% of participants not reoffending. Memorandums of understanding established between Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Tshwane, and eThekwini Metros. In 2024, is committed to enhancing these efforts. The organisation aims to engage policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public in fostering lasting behavioural changes that will ultimately lead to a reduction in incidents of DUI. A key component of these efforts includes advocating for a 0% alcohol approach to road use. To support this mission, MasterDrive and other stakeholders will remain actively involved throughout the month, with several initiatives aimed at deterring drinking and driving. Their efforts will be bolstered by the JMPD, which will implement the Evidential Breath Alcohol Test (EBAT) for intoxicated drivers, a test that holds up in court. The RTMC encourages all road users to take action if they observe someone in an intoxicated state, while the Limpopo Road Safety Department calls on government and road agencies to share best practices and unify law enforcement efforts across provincial borders.
