THE festive season is just around the corner, and South Africa's major highways and byways are expected to be busier than usual.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy launched the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign on Sunday, 1 December.
As a result, motorists should prepare for stop-and-go scenarios, as police will be checking vehicles for roadworthiness and general road compliance.
Here are some tips from experts on navigating the traffic safely and efficiently:
What to Expect:
• Increased Traffic Volumes: Anticipate a significant rise in traffic, especially on major highways and routes leading to popular holiday destinations.
• Longer Travel Times: Due to the high volume of vehicles, journey times can be considerably longer. Plan for delays, particularly during peak travel days around Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
• Peak Congestion Times: To travel wisely, choose the best time of day. Traffic is heaviest in the afternoons and early evenings, so try to travel early in the morning or late at night to avoid the worst congestion.
Arrive Alive Offers These Tips to Reach Your Destination Safely:
• Obey rules of the road and carry your driver's licence with you.
• Plan your route and allow sufficient time to reach your destination.
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy before departure. Check all lights, indicators, windscreens, wipers, brake lights, steering wheel, shock absorbers, exhaust system, and tyres for faults.
• Do not overload your vehicle.
• Avoid driving after dark if possible.
• Rest well before starting your journey.
• Take safety breaks every two hours or 200km. Rest, have an energy drink, and continue once well-rested.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Recognise potentially dangerous drivers and pedestrians and keep well clear of them.
• Be visible: Drive with your lights on.
• Dip headlights well before approaching vehicles come within range of the main beam.
• Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same.
• Drive defensively.
• Stay within the speed limit at all times.
• Only overtake when it is absolutely safe.
• Maintain at least a two-second following distance. Increase this distance at night, in fog, rain, or on wet roads.
• Expect that others may not obey the law as diligently as you.
• Avoid distractions such as texting or phone conversations while driving.
• Be courteous to fellow road users: keep your temper and resist retaliating.
Know your emergency numbers for assistance:
- Police 10111
- Fire 10177
- Ambulance 10177
- Arrive Alive Call Centre 0861 400 800
- Emer-G-Med 0861 007 911
- Accident & Breakdown Towing 0860 911 326
- Netcare 911 082 911
- ER24 084 124
