Schools across the country will close tomorrow (28 March 2025) for the first term. This will likely see many people travelling for holiday purposes or visiting their loved ones.
As expected, many school going children will likely travel to various destinations either in private vehicles or public transport. Previously many children were exposed to serious road crashes.
According to statistics, a considerable number of children between 5 and 19 years of age have been victims of crashes with others losing their lives or becoming seriously injured on an annual basis.
It is in this context that Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, calls on motorists to use the road with due diligence and heightened caution in order to avoid deadly crashes.
He also advises them to be mindful of prevailing weather conditions on the road and plan their trips to accommodate accompanying delays.
"Motorists should obey the rules. Those who are travelling far must meticulously plan their trips by among others ensuring the roadworthiness of their vehicles. Public transport operators and drivers, must also ascertain that their trailers and vehicles are roadworthy and not overloaded because some of the faulty trailers have contributed to fatal crashes," the MEC says.
He also warns motorists that law enforcement will harshly deal with reckless and negligent driver behaviour during this period and beyond.
The Provincial Easter Road Safety Campaign will be launched in the coming weeks. This will give Macie an opportunity to outline his plans for the Easter long weekend.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.