Pretoria – Drivers in the Free State and visitors to that province have been warned to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
The Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport has warned that the forecasted extremely cold weather, frost/snow, as well as winds reaching speeds of up to 100km/hour forecasted, will lead to reduced visibility over the province – making the roads treacherous and dangerous to negotiate.
Motorists are advised to switch on their main headlights, reduce speed and be cautious.
“When vehicles are moving fast in severe wind conditions, the vehicle may be blown sideways forcing the driver to lose control of it. This is even more likely to happen when the tyres are worn.
“Under these conditions, an untrained driver may panic or may take shelter at the side of the road or slack off to a pedestrian pace – all these making the vehicle and its driver/passengers vulnerable to be run over by bigger and faster vehicles,” the department said on Friday.
The department also warned motorists to avoid driving at night as the extreme cold may lead to hypothermia if an emergency occurs and the driver/passengers are left stranded next to the road.
“Motorist should listen to local radio stations for updates of road and weather conditions and traffic problems.” – SAnews.gov.za
