Each year in May, the United Nations (UN) dedicates a week to recognising and raising awareness for road safety. This year, the UN’s Global Week of Road Safety will take place from 15 to 21 May 2023. The theme of this year’s initiative is #RethinkMobility.

MasterDrive, in association with the Road Safety Foundation, will team up to improve road safety. This is by spreading the message of road safety among the youth. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, elaborates: “While the intention behind rethinking mobility is by encouraging alternative forms of transport, like public transport and cycling, this goal is still further off for South Africa. Helping the youth gain mobility by learning to drive safely, is where we will see a bigger impact.

“One of the driving forces behind the UN Global Road Safety Week is that there is no greater threat than accidents to those aged between 5 and 29 years old. Thus, MasterDrive and the Road Safety Foundation, are distributing K53 study manuals, supplied by Motus, to assist youth in obtaining licenses correctly, legally and safely. Change on South African roads starts with encouraging safe driving behaviour from the start.”

The leader of the Road Safety Foundation, Philip Hull, encourages corporates to get involved as well. “We urge organisations to join us in equipping young, future drivers with the necessary guide to start their journey to obtaining a license safely. When these resources are out of reach for individuals, it often propels them to seek alternative measures, like driving unlicensed or by buying their licenses.

“It is estimated that at least 50% of drivers on South African drivers are not legally licensed. While the choice to do this cannot only be attributed to a lack of accessibility, by making an effort to resolve this, it is a step in the right direction to making a difference. Motus approached us with a plan to distribute K53 books and with MasterDrive’s K53 refresher course, it was a perfect fit,” says Hull.

According to Herbert, the desire to see a change in road safety is a driving force behind the campaign. “A minimum of 50 K53 books will be distributed. MasterDrive will further support this by assisting deserving individuals who obtained their learner’s licenses with driving lessons at a discounted rate. Together, we can start the change we need to see on our roads by increasing accessibility and encouraging safe driving throughout one’s lifespan.

“The last step is for every corporation that supports the upskilling of youth and improvement of safety on the roads to join the endeavour. The power of a community working together to bring about change cannot be underestimated,” says Herbert.

To stand a chance to qualify for a K53 book, contact MasterDrive by sending a message to their Whatsapp line, 062 403 6405.

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UN Global Week of Road Safety