Traffic volumes along major corridors across the country are expected to increase as travellers return from various religious and holiday destinations.
With the majority of road crashes attributed to human behaviour, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has urged drivers, passengers and pedestrians to take responsibility for their conduct on shared roads.
Government continues to implement the 365 Days Arrive Alive Road Safety Campaign throughout the year, aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities.
“Our mandate is clear: to ensure that every South African who sets out on a journey returns home safely. We are calling on every driver, passenger and pedestrian to take ownership of their conduct on our shared roads,” Creecy said.
She emphasised that law enforcement during this period will be uncompromising.
Should you find yourself in an emergency, call:
- Police: 10111
- Ambulance: 10177
- Emergency: 112
- ER24: 084 124
- Netcare: 082 911
- Report bad driving by using the National Traffic Call Centre Number: 0861 400 800.
Road users are therefore encouraged to follow these safety tips:
- Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure.
- Take safety breaks every 2 hours or 200km.
- Be responsible for seatbelt wearing - always wear a seat belt and see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.
- Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver's licence with you.
- Be extra cautious, paying attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles, especially trucks.
- Carry a fully charged cell phone with you so you can request assistance in the event of an emergency.
- Always adjust your driving to the driving conditions and environment.
- If it is raining, turn your headlights and windscreen wipers on. Try to reduce speed and try not to brake suddenly. Often, there is oil and petrol on the road, which can cause you to skid out of control.
- Always keep in mind – if you cannot see or operate the vehicle safely, you should not be driving.
- Inspect your vehicle and trailer tyres, lights, tow connections, brakes, batteries, and fluid levels. -SAnews.gov.za
