RAF empowers Polokwane traffic officers through tyre safety workshop

A tyre safety workshop and educational roadblock were held in Polokwane in February, where Traffic and Road Safety Officers were upskilled to spot risky or illegal tyres that pose a threat to road safety.

RAF senior manager for Road Safety, Siphamandla Gumbi, said: “The objective of the Tyre Safety workshop was to upskill law enforcement and road safety officers on various aspects of tyre safety. We have partnered with experts in tyre usage in order to continue the fight against road crash injuries and fatalities. The law enforcement officials, in turn, educated motorists during roadblocks thereby increasing awareness and shifting the mindsets of all road users”.

The two-day training session covered topics such as the importance of tyre safety, how to identify safe tyres (including tyre construction, markings, fitment, tread depth standards, and more), how to maintain tyres properly, and the dangers of illegal and unsafe second-hand tyres.

Nduduzo Chala, SATMC managing executive, said, “The SATMC and RAF are making a concerted effort to ensure that all traffic officers are trained correctly to enforce tyre regulations and ensure that we address the scourge of unsafe tyres and their impact on road safety in South Africa.”