CELLPHONES WHILE DRIVING
July 24, 2018
Notice 2018 No 12
USE OF CELLPHONES BY MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS UPON ENTERING THE SUMMERWOOD VILLAGE
Dear Member/Resident,
- The Association’s Management Committee during the course of a meeting on 4 July 2018 considered the malpractice of motor vehicle drivers using their cellphones whilst driving in the Summerwood village. It was noticeable how many residents, on passing through the traffic barriers at the entranceway, commenced to use their cellphones. There was concern for the danger which this holds for pedestrians and playing children.
- The Arrive Alive campaign indicates that distracted driving has become a major cause of road crashes. The distraction which has in recent years increased significantly is that which is caused by the use of cellular phones. This distraction is not merely the act of talking on the cellular phone, but all other activities that can be performed on the cellular phone/smartphone.
- The law on the use of cellphones/smartphones while driving is very clear: NO driver is permitted to use a hand-held communication device while driving on a public road. This includes a cellphone, microphone or other communication devices, as per the South African National Road Traffic Act. Transgressing the Rules of the Road includes taking photos, browsing the internet and participation on social media platforms when driving.
- It is important for residents to bear in mind that the roadways in the Summerwood village are Municipal-owned and are therefore Public Roads. The official Regulations applicable to the prohibition on the use of communication devices while driving outside are also applicable inside the village.
- Motorists will be aware that the roadways in the village are used to a great extent, especially in the late afternoons, by residents who are out walking or by children playing their games and cycling. The Committee is most perturbed by the fact that a motorist who is distracted by the use of their cellphone or other such instrument could be the cause of a very serious accident. The aim of this notice is to make a very urgent appeal upon residents to refrain from using their cellphones when driving their motor vehicles and more so once they enter the Summerwood village.
