13 March 2006
Pretoria - The Department of Transport is warning motorists and public
transport operators to desist from using unroadworthy vehicles and against
unruly driving as harsher sentences are waiting for all traffic law
offenders.
Traffic volumes are expected to peak later this afternoon and traffic
authorities have already begun mounting multi-purpose roadblocks to deal with
road crime and reckless road behaviour, ahead of the big Easter Holiday
rush.
"Although many taxi and bus drivers and owners think that by overloading
they can make more money, it is dangerous and will cost them more in the long
run. An overloaded vehicle will take longer to stop making it dangerous,
especially in an emergency. It is even more difficult to handle and cannot
accelerate as normal - making it dangerous to overtake. At night, the
headlights of an overloaded vehicle will tilt up, blinding oncoming drivers to
possible obstructions on the roadway", the Department of Transport's Arrive
Alive Campaign has warned.
Holiday traffic with the expected high traffic volumes is more dangerous
than everyday traffic. Motorists should be aware that holiday traffic demands
more of them as roads are busier and road users are more hurried.
An appeal is made to all road users to stay alert at all times. Stay alert
and Arrive Alive. Always keep a safe following distance.
Do not try to complete a long journey in one day - rather interrupt your
journey. Night-time driving, especially between 24h00 and 05h00, is more
dangerous as your body is normally conditioned to be sleeping.
Support road safety by switching your headlights during the day, as this
will enhance your visibility to other road users. Remember that daytime running
lights save lives.
Motorists, who deliberately drive without registration plates or permits,
will be dealt with severely. Their vehicles may be impounded, as it is illegal
to drive without registration plates or permit.
Media Contact:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Ntau Letebele
Cell: 082 923 9194
Issued by: Department of Transport
13 March 2006
