Free State Transport Department warn motorists
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State would like to warn all motorists to be extremely careful when traveling on Free State roads. Due to the wet and rainy weather, the roads are slippery and dangerous.
The SA Weather Services also forecasts a 30% possibility of rain from today until Friday, 14 March and a 60% chance of rain during the weekend. Driving in wet road can be challenging for drivers as vehicle handling changes and stopping times and distances increase. It is important to drive smoothly and avoid braking sharply and accelerating quickly, as this could lead to wheels locking or spinning.
During heavy rains motorists should switch on their headlights, reduce speed and be cautious. When vehicles are moving fast over a layer of water the vehicle can start to skid. This is even more likely to happen when the tyres are worn. Under these conditions an untrained driver may easily lose control over the vehicle.
Motorists should also be careful to use low water bridges as they usually are not equipped with barrier rails. The force of flood water may lift a vehicle and deposit it off the bridge and into a raging current. Flooded areas should definitely be avoided during nights.
Motorists are urged to listen to the weather forecasts on their local radio stations for updates of road conditions and traffic problems before the start of their journey. The can also call the SA Police Service in the areas where to they plan to travel.
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport wish to advise motorists to look as far ahead as possible to anticipate what other road users might be planning to do, especially at junctions and roundabouts. Braking sharply on a slippery road will only make the situation worse and could cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid.
Enquiries:
Saki Mohono
Cell: 082 385 5600
