South African motorsport supports FIA Action for Road Safety

With decals on their vehicles top rally competitors in the South African National Championship, displayed their commitment for the FIA’s Action for Road Safety during the MTN Polokwane Rally in Limpopo.

Thu 21.02.13, 5:05PM

The FIA via its network of sporting and mobility members across the world hopes to raise awareness of the importance of saving 5 milliion lives on the world’s roads over the next decade in line with the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety.

Francois Pretorius, CEO of Motorsort South Africa (MSA) said that the MSA as the controlling body of motorsport in the country, is committed to supporting road safety. “We are grateful that the South African Government has thrown their weight behind this.”

At the launch of the SADC Decade of Action for Road Safety in Centurion earlier this month, Mr Sibusiso Ndebele, Minister of Transport, said road crashes kill more than 40 people a day in South Africa and leave scores of people injured. “Many of those killed are breadwinners for their families. By 2015 road crashes will be the leading cause of premature death and disability above the age of 5 in developing countries and unless as a country we act now, it will be too late. The Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 has come to stabilise and reverse road deaths. Together we can save millions of lives.”

Pretorius said the MSA will heed the Minister’s request and that everyone should play a role in preventing deaths and injuries on roads. “MSA will play its role by making ambassadors available, offering expertise in driver training where required and generally creating an awareness through motorsport for this campaign. The display of decals featuring the FIA’s Action for Road Safety logo at the recent rally raises awareness of this important campaign. It will be expanded to other facets of the sport.