The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and prioritise road safety as thousands of South Africans are expected to travel over the Heritage Day long weekend. This long weekend coincides with the school closure, and many families are expected to use the opportunity to travel, visit relatives, and take part in holiday activities. As a result, traffic volumes are expected to increase on major routes and around popular destinations.
Motorists are encouraged to check traffic and weather conditions before departing, allow sufficient time for their journeys, and avoid unnecessary risks to reach their destinations safely. Additionally, motorists should ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling. The RTMC also emphasised the importance of reminding children about basic pedestrian safety, particularly when walking near busy roads, shopping centres, public transport facilities, and holiday destinations.
Heritage Day is celebrated annually on 24 September and recognises and celebrates the nation’s cultural wealth. All road users are encouraged to play their part in preventing crashes and ensuring that everyone reaches their destination safely. The RTMC has provided a list of road safety tips, including obeying speed limits, never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and avoiding the use of mobile phones while driving.
To ensure road safety, motorists are advised to ensure that all occupants wear seat belts at all times, take regular breaks during long journeys, and avoid driving when tired. They should also maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles, exercise additional caution around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children, and ensure that children are properly secured in appropriate child-restraint systems.
Furthermore, motorists are urged to avoid dangerous overtaking, obey traffic signs and road markings, and check tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers, and fluid levels before travelling. By taking these precautions, motorists can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe journey.
The RTMC’s road safety tips are aimed at reducing the number of crashes and fatalities on South Africa’s roads. According to the RTMC, following these tips can help prevent accidents and ensure that everyone reaches their destination safely. Motorists are urged to take road safety seriously and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe journey.
In conclusion, the RTMC has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and prioritise road safety over the Heritage Day long weekend. By following the RTMC’s road safety tips and taking necessary precautions, motorists can help prevent accidents and ensure a safe journey. The safety of all road users is a collective responsibility, and everyone is encouraged to play their part in ensuring road safety.
Key points
- Motorists urged to exercise extreme caution and prioritise road safety over Heritage Day long weekend.
- RTMC provides road safety tips to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safe journey.
- All road users encouraged to play their part in preventing crashes and ensuring road safety.
