Traffic officers are hailed as heroic professionals because of the skills they have that bring order on the roads.
Reports have indicated that there is a critical shortage of traffic officers in the road safety industry. Traffic departments and agencies are severely understaffed which creates a significant problem as road casualties are in the limelight.
Traffic officers have to monitor the behaviour of road users. They need to be on the alert for intoxicated, reckless or negligent road users and ensure motorists have valid permits and documentation. Road agencies are in desperate need of trained professionals to deal with the issues that exist on our roads.
Road carnage costs South Africa’s economy billions each year, all of which can be reduced with focused educational efforts.
Hard-hitting road traffic statistics over the years:
According to RTMC, about 14 000 people die annually on South African roads and many more are seriously injured.
Each year road crash statistics during the festive season show that many thousands or people die on our roads. The causes of these deaths are mainly due to the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signs.
What are the profits of a career as a traffic officer?
A qualification in the traffic policing field affords you various opportunities for growth in the industry. This is a career that offers stability and benefits such as a good salary package with bonuses and retirement payouts. According to PayScale, a police officer earns an average salary of R201,000 per year. If you’re a police sergeant, the average salary can be as high as R193 945 per year. As a traffic manager, you would earn an average salary of R273,368 per year.
The job has flexible working hours where you can work 4 days in the week and have days off. This allows you time to enjoy family life and other activities.
What are the requirements to become a traffic officer?
You will need a South African citizenship, Grade 12 or equivalent, no criminal record, Code B driver’s license (manual transmission) and a medical certificate with a clean bill of health.
However, with proper traffic police training and certification, you will be equipped with the skills needed in the industry and have access to more opportunities.
Who will hire you?
You can work for the government, municipality or any government agency such as the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Cross Border Transport Agency or other national road and transport agencies.
This is a career that allows you to positively impact the safety of people on the roads and in the community. As a traffic officer, you can expect to become a reputable civil servant, dedicated to maintaining the safety of citizens on the roads.
You get to save lives
Road safety officers are effective in helping to reduce the number of accidents and deaths that take place on the roads. They are on high alert during the holiday periods where lots of people are travelling to assist in regulating appropriate road procedures.
Easter long-weekend road crash statistics each year show that too many people are losing their lives on our roads. This is the reason why traffic officers are necessary as they prevent uncalled-for loss of lives.
You play a role in ensuring safety to citizens
As a traffic officer, you have to be familiar with road signs and be able to comprehend the rules of the road. This will ensure that you direct the flow of traffic and enforce regulations effectively.
To do well in this occupation, you must be able to handle the pressure and the demands of being a commander on the road. You should be able to work with people, direct road users, listen and make smart decisions. You should possess good observation skills and be able to solve complex issues on the road when they arise.
Being able to instruct road users and create order
As a traffic officer, you need to be up to speed with the laws that road users are required to comply with and ensure that they are practiced. You will have to use logic and reasoning to make quick decisions that won’t risk the lives of people.
It is also expected of you to monitor the behaviour of drivers, check licenses and registrations. This includes being able to detect motorists who are intoxicated to help avoid accidents from occurring. Your overall responsibility is to make the experience of all road users a pleasant one.
Career paths you can follow with a traffic policing qualification:
Metropolitan Police Officer
Provincial Traffic Inspector
Traffic/Police Officer
Municipal Law Enforcement Officer
More Articles and Videos About Traffic Officer Learnerships
- Traffic Officer Learnership Programme
- Where To Find Traffic Officer Courses
- How To Apply For Traffic Officer Learnership
- Requirements For Traffic Officer Learnerships
- How Much Is A Traffic Police Salary In South Africa
- What Is A Traffic Officers Salary
- Careers As A Traffic Police Officer
- The Rewards of Building A Career In Traffic Policing
- The Rewards Of Building A Career In Traffic Policing
- What Are The Traffic Officer Requirements In South Africa
- Unisa Courses To Do If You Want To Be A Traffic Officer
- What Is The Process To Become A Traffic Officer?
- Where To Find Traffic Officer Vacancies
- WATCH:Where To Find Traffic Officer Courses
- WATCH:How To Apply For Traffic Officer Learnerships
