High traffic volumes expected as festive season holidays end
With holiday traffic volumes expected to be high, travellers are warned to practice heightened awareness and ensure safe travel during this time of year.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Major routes across the country are anticipated to experience high traffic volumes this weekend as the festive season holidays draw to a close. Law enforcement will be highly visible, and all motorists are urged to plan their journeys carefully.
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travelling at night, as data shows that most fatal crashes occur between sunset and the early hours of the morning.
Analysis of travel data since the start of the road safety campaign on December 1 shows that 21% of fatal crashes occurred between 7pm and 10pm, and 6% between midnight and 1am. These specific time frames are when most deadly head-on collisions have been recorded.
Drivers must take regular, sufficient breaks to prevent fatigue. Authorities will show zero tolerance for speeding, drunken driving, and reckless conduct, the RTMC stated.
"Motorists should check the weather forecast before departing and avoid driving through storms or attempting to cross flooded bridges. When driving in the rain, it is essential to reduce speed, increase the following distance between vehicles, and ensure headlights are on," the RTMC said.
Speed should also be lowered when passing residential areas or locations with a high concentration of pedestrians.
Public transport operators must ensure they do not overload their vehicles and that their operating permits are valid for the specific routes they use.
Furthermore, they are called upon to stop loading and offloading passengers at unsafe locations, as this practice significantly increases the risk of pedestrian-related crashes.
Enforcement efforts have resulted in the impounding of over 4,700 public transport vehicles due to contravention of operator permits. Additionally, 12,600 other vehicles have been discontinued from service due to infringements related to roadworthiness.
IOL