Motorists are urged to exercise extra caution and prioritise road safety when thousands of South Africans take to the roads for the Heritage Day long weekend. The long weekend coincides with the closure of schools, which is expected to lead to greater traffic volumes on major routes and at popular destinations. Motorists are advised to check traffic and weather conditions before departing, to allow sufficient time for their journey and to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reminds road users to obey speed limits, not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and not to use cellphones while driving.
Everyone in a vehicle must wear seatbelts at all times, while drivers should rest regularly during long journeys and not drive while fatigued. Motorists must also maintain a safe following distance and be extra cautious in the presence of pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and children.
Parents and caregivers are advised to remind children of basic pedestrian safety, especially near busy roads, shopping centres, public transport points and holiday destinations. The RTMC also warns against dangerous overtaking and urges motorists to check tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and fluid levels before departing.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
