Holidays are for enjoyment, not to bury people

Most schools will be closing for the winter holiday break and all major routes around the country are expected to carry heavier than usual traffic volumes. Thousands of motorists are expected to criss-cross the length and breath of various national and secondary routes on their way to holiday destinations and many will be simply returning home, both, inter-provincially as well as across our borders.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) urges motorists to obey all road traffic rules to ensure their safety as well as that of fellow road users. Key to a trouble-free trip is ensuring that your vehicle is serviced and in a road-worthy condition. A pre-trip inspection to check tyres, brakes, shock absorbers and the steering mechanism takes just a few minutes, but can save time, money and even lives further on.

Loads must be securely tied and the vehicle should not be overloaded as it affects the handling and can also cause tyre failure which is a major contributory factor to fatal crashes. If a caravan or trailer is being towed then these too should be inspected for lights, tyre wear, suspension and licensing. Overloaded trailers result in damaged axles which can cause the towing vehicle to lose control and worst still, capsize.

All occupants, including those in the rear should be buckled up at all times. Seatbelts do not prevent a crash, but reduces the chances of death or serious injury by more than 50%. Little children should be restrained in suitable child seats.

Reduce boredom over long distances by keeping children occupied with interesting games that are not distracting for the driver. Take regular breaks, at least every two hours or two hundred kilometres and pull over only where it is safe to do so, preferably at service station rest stops.

Drinking and driving is an absolute no-no. Traffic officials from the National Traffic Police Unit, provincial traffic, metropolitan police, municipal traffic departments as well as the South African Police Service and Cross Border Agency will be on high alert along all hazardous routes and locations. No mercy will be shown to those that drink and drive and/or drive dangerously. As part of the National Rolling Enforcement Plan, a number of roadblocks, blitzes and roving patrols have been scheduled to arrest and remove reckless drivers from the road.

Motorists are reminded that speeding in excess of 40km/h on a freeway or 30km/h in a built-up area leads to an immediate arrest. Those removing their registration plates to avoid being caught by camera could have their license discs removed and their vehicle discontinued from service.

Traffic police will be especially vigilant on public passenger transport vehicles, which include commuter buses, long distance coaches and minibus taxis. Un-roadworthy vehicles, overloading, and recklessness will not be tolerated. Officers have been instructed to arrest drivers who overtake on barrier lines and who go through red lights.

Travellers should be aware of pedestrians, especially at night, whilst pedestrians should also ensure that they stay away from on freeways, avoid jay walking, always wear light clothing at night and do not drink and walk. More than 45% of the country’s annual road death toll comprises of pedestrians and drivers are urged to slow down especially when approaching settlements along major arterial routes.

As far as possible, drivers are advised to avoid travelling at night. Pedestrians, stray animals and pot holes are difficult to see until it is too late. If you really have to travel at night then travel at a speed that allows you to react with sufficient time and distance to avoid a crash.

“Holidays are meant to be times of togetherness and happiness with loved ones. Let this not become a period where we end up in hospital or worse still, prepare for funeral services. As part of the make Roads Safe - Decade of Action Campaign the authorities have pulled out all the stops to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe. It is now your responsibility to be polite, patient and prepared”, said the Acting CEO of the RTMC, Mr Collins Letsoalo.

Report bad driving to: 0861 400 800.

National Roads that are expected to carry large volumes of traffic (Outbound and Inbound) over the holiday season, especially weekends:

Enquiries:
Ashref Ismail
Cell: 071 680 3448
E-mail: Ashrefi@rtmc.co.za