Introduction

Also view: SA2010.gov.za

The FIFA Football World Cup is now a reality for all in South Africa – and for everyone loving the beautiful game. This World Cup has been described as a massive challenge as well as an opportunity for the whole of South Africa and Southern Africa.

The magnitude of the World cup has been summarized by the HSRC as follows

    * 32 teams, 43 days, 2.7 million local spectators, 400 000 visitors, 64 matches, 4 billion international “eyes”

It is most important that the Arrive Alive website as the South African information portal on road safety also address the special needs for safety on the road. Even though the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) described South Africa’s transport system as "stellar" in an African context, we need to be alert to specific safety threats - and assist our foreign visitors with the necessary safety information.

We would like to refer briefly to a few facts on sports events and road safety in South Africa:

• The current transportation system has not failed to transport many South Africans to sports events. The Africa Soccer Cup, the Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup, among others, went without transport hitches.
• South Africa is faced with 14 000 yearly fatalities resulting from accidents on our roads
• These accidents are caused by various reasons, from un-roadworthy vehicles, driver fatigue and unfitness, alcohol consumption, speeding etc.
• Statistics tell us that 90% of crashes are caused by breaking the law, and the vast majority of accidents are preceded by a traffic law violation.

Safety plans have been implemented at national and regional level – and we would like to share advice and recommendations on how to travel safely on the roads of South Africa during the FIFA World Cup.

Travelling and Emergency Information

Football Supporters will be travelling on all modes of transport, in touring groups and on their own. It is most important that everyone is prepared for the unlikely accident or accident or roadside emergency.

Ensure that you have your cell phone available as a valuable safety device. Not only can it be used to find directions but information about an accident can be communicated accurately and speedily and emergency response acquired.

In the event of an emergency call you would need to supply the following info:

• Your telephone number (to remain in contact with you should you be cut off) 
• Your location (street name and nearest cross road) 
• The details of what has happened, how many people are injured, etc.

This will allow the dispatcher to send the correct personnel from the closest area. In addition the call takers are able to give you telephonic advice as to what to do to help the injured on the accident scene.

Enquire before you embark on your journey which emergency services are rendered by your cellular operator and which numbers you might need to dial if you are in need!

When you need assistance, kindly call the following numbers

              
Also note:

• Toll Roads will have Emergency Numbers displayed
• If you are calling from a mobile you can also get emergency services by dialling 112.

[Emergency info is available on your cellular phone at the mobile road safety website at arrivealive.mobi]

Planning your travel across South Africa

Through effective route planning many of the risks on South African roads can be avoided. Good planning will contribute towards:

• Ensuring that the correct route to the destination is taken
• Avoiding the dangers of speeding and road rage
• Greater attention to the road and avoiding distractions

We would like to briefly share a few facts on road infrastructure in South Africa to assist all our international travellers:

• Road infrastructure is mostly excellent with national roads maintained by the South African National Roads Agency [SANRAL].
• Many of the national roads between the major centres are toll roads. Check the toll fees before you leave, and make sure that you have either a credit card or cash to pay.
• It is best to have cash at hand as not all international criedit cards might be accepted at the toll gates.
• While most national roads are tarred and in good condition, the more rural the road, the more likely it is to be pot-holed and poorly surfaced.
• With a good map or GPS device visitors should have little difficulty in finding their way around. Our Road Safety Partner TomTom has provided the best solution to our travellers with a Route Planner

View:

SA2010.gov.za

Route Planner

GPS coordinates for World Cup 2010  Football Stadiums

Many visitors will be using vehicles provided by Car Rental Agencies. South African car rental agencies are professional and geared for the Tourism industry - making available a fleet of well maintained vehicles. There are however specific steps that clients can take to assist them in arriving safely at their destinations.

View: Car Rental and Road Safety in South Africa

Travelling and Unique Driving Conditions

Most of our international football visitors will not be aware of the unique driving conditions in South Africa. We would like to provide a few suggestions to these travellers:

Rules of the Road / Traffic Enforcement

• An International Driver's Permit carried in conjunction with your national driving license is recommended and must be printed or authenticated in English.
• If your license does not have a photograph on it, then you must also carry your passport with you so that you can be identified as the legal holder of the driving license.
• Always make sure documentation is carried with you at all times when driving.

Rules of the Road

• In South Africa we drive on the left-hand side of the road, and our cars – rental cars included – are right-hand drive vehicles.
• Keep to the left and pass right
• All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are in kilometres.
• There are strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. 

Speed limits

• The general speed limit on national highways, urban freeways and other major routes is 120km/h (75mph).
• On secondary (rural) roads it is 100km/h (60mph).
• In built-up areas it is usually 60km/h (35mph) unless otherwise indicated.
• Check the road signs and obey the speed limit at all time
• Speed limits are maximum speeds. If it is raining, misty or the road is congested, reduce speed.
• Always respect the warnings on road signs – be aware that the roads in many rural areas are not fenced, so you could find dogs, chickens, sheep and even horses or cows on the road, so it may be dangerous to drive at night.
• Large antelope crossing the road can also be a hazard in certain areas – watch out for the road signs depicting a leaping antelope, and take it slowly, especially towards evening.

View: Road Safety Advice for Foreign Travellers in South Africa

Road Safety, Crime and Road Safety

The South African Police and all law enforcement agencies have made it clear that special measures are taken to protect all football supporters during the World Cup. Even though there need not be any increased fears of crime, we would like to share safety suggestions with travellers to protect themselves and their property:

When driving anywhere in South Africa, try to apply the following safety precautions:

• Always drive with your doors locked and windows wound up, especially when stopped at traffic lights.
• Don't ever stop to pick up hitchhikers, however innocent, lost or appealing they look.  If you are worried about someone's plight, stop at the next town and report it to someone there.
• Do not leave anything valuable on show in your car when you leave it unattended, and always lock your car when you leave it, even if you are only going to be gone for a few minutes.
• Try to always park in a busy, well-lit area.
• Take advice from your hosts where you are staying, and ask if there are any areas that tourists should avoid driving through.
• If you need directions it is best to stop at a petrol station and ask the attendants.
• Do not confront aggressive or abusive road users.
• If possible avoid travelling at night or in remote areas.
• Thieves have been known to employ various methods to make a vehicle stop, enabling them to rob the occupants.  One such method is the placing of large stones in the middle of the road.  In the circumstances it is prudent to carefully drive around the stones or obstacle, rather than stop the vehicle.

Road Safety around the Football Stadium

South Africa has in recent years experienced a huge inflow of visitors to sports events such as the IPLT20, the Lions Rugby Tour and Confederations Cup.

Spectators are always exposed to some kind of risk when attending sporting events. We would like to share a few suggestions on how to travel safely to the football stadium:

The Route & Destination

• Expect road closures near the stadium which will require that you consider alternative routes as well.
• It is good advice to visit the website of the sports organizer or stadium to find the exact coordinates or street address.
• It is better to rather leave early for the stadium than having to deal with heavy traffic congestion and struggles to find parking.

The Vehicle

• Do not overload your vehicle with passengers and baggage. The vehicle will be less stable, difficult to steer and take longer to stop.
• Carry a roadside emergency kit.

The Driver

• Discuss who will be the driver and possible back-up or replacement drivers
• Ensure that all these people carry their drivers’ licenses with them and are aware of the likelihood of them driving
• The driver must be fit to drive- be cautious to mediation that might have reactions such as nausea, drowsiness, blurred vision, inability to think clearly, reduced coordination and diminished motor or judgment skills - therefore impairing your ability to drive.

Driving near the Football Stadium

• Be on the lookout for pedestrians walking at the side of the road with their backs towards you.
• Be aware of intoxicated pedestrians – especially over weekends and near informal settlements.
• Many informal settlements are situated alongside main roads and have no formal points of crossing or pedestrian bridges.

Arrival / Parking / Vehicle Safety at the Sports Stadium

• Be careful near places where busses or taxi’s appear to stand next to the road – passengers might suddenly decide to cross the road!
• Be especially attentive around schools and in neighbourhoods where children are active. Drive there like you would like people to drive in front of your own home!
• Best advice is to park in a parking garage or parking area specifically dedicated to spectators - there might be additional security.
• Discuss a plan of action on where to meet if somebody gets lost amongst the thousands of spectators.

The Spectator as a Pedestrian around the Stadium

• The need for attention to safety does not stop when you have safely parked the vehicle!
• Road closures and newly designed stadiums will provide greater pedestrian safety – but spectators might still have to walk a considerable distance along urban roads to the stadium.
• We are now finding more and more accidents as a result of pedestrian inattentiveness. Be alert and vigilant.
• Please follow the road signs and directions from marshals to the stadium –they are familiar with the routes.
• Do not leave children unaccompanied next to the road. Children should not cross streets by themselves – they are small, unpredictable, and cannot judge vehicle distances and speeds.
• Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person's ability to drive.
• On leaving the stadium, be alert to the risk of drunk drivers and drivers who might be distracted.

View: Spectator Survival Guide for Safety on Road to the Sports Stadium

Safety for the Football Supporter visiting nature

Many football visitors will not only enjoy the game and city life, but also take the opportunity to visit game farms and go on safari. Many will view the African wildlife and landscapes from their vehicles.

When going on safari, your safety should always be the first priority. We would like to urge all foreign travellers to make their safari a safe journey!

View: Safety on Safari and Driving in Nature

Conclusion

There will be many websites and Blogs providing advice for an enjoyable and safe 2010 FIFA Football World Cup. May the information available on the Arrive Alive Road Safety website and these other websites and Blogs assist our travellers to be safe on the Road!!

Also view:

• Official FIFA World Cup Website