7 December 2006
Tshwane: Main South African roads are expected to be busier than normal
tomorrow as the majority in the workforce take a break from work. Every
year-end, it is a cheerful time, a time to relax, to party and enjoy. That is
the South African tradition. It is also the South African tragedy because at
this festive time, the level of road safety deteriorates sharply and alarmingly
and road collisions escalate causing disruption, injury and deaths.
Holiday traffic demands more of drivers as they are more hurried than ever.
Don't ever not even for one moment let your concentration weaken in the traffic
situation. Stick to the following tried and tested 'arrive alive' road safety
tips:
* Plan your holiday route carefully and prepare for a longer journey in peak
traffic. Do not start the journey when you are tired. This only hampers your
ability to concentrate.
* Provide for regular resting points on your holiday route. A journey should
be interrupted after two hours on the road or after a distance of about 200
kilometres. This enables the driver to walk around so as to improve blood
circulation and the ability to concentrate.
* A vehicle should be checked thoroughly before a long journey. Note the
working condition of the brakes, the windshield wipers and indicators, the
correct tyre pressure as well as sufficient oil and water levels.
* Do not take any alcohol before or during the journey. Alcohol negatively
influences a driver's concentration and judgment.
* Always maintain a safe following distance, at least two seconds, from the
vehicle in front of you.
* When other vehicles are overtaken, the driver must ensure that the
situation is safe. Make sure that there is no oncoming traffic, white line or
road traffic sign which prohibits overtaking. It is also illegal to overtake at
crossings, blind rises and sharp turns.
* Switch on your headlights, not your parking lights, especially when
visibility becomes poor. This enables you to be visible to all other vehicles
on the road.
* Be aware of the presence of pedestrians on the road. A large number of
pedestrians are unable to judge the distance and speed of vehicles and can thus
decide to cross the road without any prior warning.
* It is illegal to exceed the speed limit. Keep within the stipulated speed
limit.
* The speed limits are maximum speeds and if it is raining, misty or the
road is crowded, reduce your speed appropriately.
* It is easier to avoid being involved in a serious collision if you are
driving more slowly. Drive slowly in areas of heavy pedestrian activity. Cars
which are 4x4s are very dangerous for pedestrians.
* Drivers should respect pedestrians' right of way.
Contacts:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Ntau Letebele
Cell: 082 923 9194
Thabo Tsholetsane
Cell: 082 496 5354
Issued By: Department of Transport and the Road Traffic Management
Corporation (TRMC)
7 December 2006
Source: Department of Transport (http://www.transport.gov.za/)
