As many people are expected to travel from Sunday and Monday because the Easter long weekend draws to a close, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Vusi Shongwe has called on those travelling long distances to rest sufficiently along the way. He explains that fatigue is bad as it affects the quality of the decisions drivers make, and that is why some crash scenes are difficult to understand.
"Drivers should take regular breaks. They must concentrate and remain on extreme alert. Hence, we want them to rest every two hours or 200 kilometres of driving. They should not rely too much on energy drinks but rest and alternate driving with fellow occupants where possible," Shongwe emphasizes.
Shongwe is also calling on all people to be cautious and obey the rules of the road. He adds that everyone must buckle up as this reduces the impact of injuries during crashes and collissions. He is calling on public transport operators who will be ferrying congregants after Easter church services to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before departing.
"We must put the lives of passengers first and not profits or number of loads. Safety must come first," the MEC says. Furthermore, motorists are advised to be cautious of wet weather and misty conditions prevailing on various roads. They need to adjust their driving according to various prevailing conditions and rather adhere to prescribed speed limits.
The MEC further calls on law enforcement officers to continue showing zero-tolerance to errant drivers and enforce the law without fear or favour. Traffic officers remain deployed at night to deal with the congestion at Lebombo Border Gate and other identified priority routes.
Meanwhile, the law enforcement officers have stopped and checked over 40 000 vehicles across various roads since Thursday. Over 19 000 heavy motor vehicles went through various weighbridges. About 5 248 drivers were issued with summonses for various offenses. Over 130 vehicles were also discontinued, and 119 vehicles were impounded by the traffic officers.
About eight motorists were arrested for suspected drinking and driving.
Ends.
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison