Surge expected in road users as festive season travel peaks
Cape Town - As the festive season approaches, South Africa's roads are expected to see a surge in traffic, with millions of road users travelling to holiday destinations or visiting loved ones across the nation.
The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) is calling for heightened responsibility among road users to prevent accidents and save lives.
Vusi Mona, SANRAL’s General Manager for Communications and Marketing, emphasized the importance of collective effort.
“Road safety is one of SANRAL’s strategic pillars, and while we do not operate in the law enforcement space, we work collectively with others to improve safety across the national road network. Simple, responsible choices can save lives,” he said.
Last year’s festive season saw significant road usage, with peak daily traffic volumes reaching 14 000 to 90 000 vehicles on the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, up to 80 000 vehicles on stretches of the N2 including the Garden Route and KwaZulu-Natal, and 52 999 vehicles per day on the N2 through Nelson Mandela Bay.
Other busy routes included the R61 west of Mthatha with 22 113 vehicles per day and the N7 linking the Western Cape to the Northern Cape and Namibia.
Despite these volumes, The Western Cape recorded 164 fatalities from 142 road incidents between December 1, 2023, and January 11, 2024, highlighting the urgent need for improved road safety practices.
SANRAL’s Road Safety One campaign focuses on personal responsibility, encouraging road users to avoid drinking and driving, take regular breaks every 200 kilometres, and use pedestrian crossings or wear reflective clothing at night.
During the festive season, SANRAL will host road safety activations at fuel stations on high-traffic routes.
These activations will provide travellers with safety materials, hydration, and entertainment for children.
“We urge all road users to take regular breaks, respect traffic laws, and drive responsibly to ensure safety for all,” Mona said.
The Western Cape Government is expecting a significant influx of vehicles on key routes, including the N1, N2, and N7. Last year, the Huguenot Tunnel on the N1 recorded heavy traffic during peak periods like Reconciliation Day and New Year’s Day.
The Western Cape Mobility Department has deployed 594 provincial traffic officers, 296 patrol vehicles, and six motorcycles to maintain a 24/7 presence on the province’s roads. These efforts aim to address high-risk behaviours such as speeding, driving under the influence, and jaywalking.
Mireille Wenger, Western Cape MEC of Health and Wellness, highlighted the department’s readiness to handle increased road activity.
“Emergency Medical Services will strategically deploy resources along major routes to improve response times, while Emergency Centres are on standby to receive patients. Working together, we hope to make this festive season a safe and joyous one,” she said.
With busy public transport terminals becoming hotspots for human trafficking, the Western Cape Department of Social Development has launched awareness campaigns to combat this crime.
“Traffickers target vulnerable individuals, such as those living in poverty, luring them with promises of work,” said Jaco Londt, Western Cape Minister of Social Development.
“We urge travellers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the national trafficking hotline at 0800 222 777.”
To assist those affected by road trauma or accidents, the department has stationed social workers to provide therapeutic and trauma counselling.
The expected increase in road use requires careful planning.
Key routes such as the N1, N2, and N3 are likely to experience congestion, with delays exacerbated by construction projects in some areas.
Travellers are advised to take breaks every 200 kilometres to prevent fatigue, check weather and traffic advisories before departure, and exercise patience, especially in areas with heavy truck traffic, which can make up 22–50% of vehicles on some routes.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) said they too have a festive road safety plan in place.
Santaco Western Cape spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana said: “We've instructed operators to ensure all vehicles are roadworthy and equipped with new tires.”
He also stressed the importance of driver rest, recommending two drivers per vehicle for long trips to prevent fatigue.
“The measures ensure safer travel for long-distance taxi commuters this festive season.”
He noted that special permits for long-distance travel to prevent any legal issues, have been issued since November.
Tumana further emphasized the need for health checks for drivers, including tests for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, to ensure safety on the roads.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za