As schools reopens for the second quarter of the academic year on Tuesday, many people are expected to travel to various destinations, this will result in increased traffic volumes across various roads in the province.
Although the province has not recorded any major crashes this weekend so far, the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie is urging motorists, to obey the rules in order to prevent needless loss of lives from avoidable road crashes.
Major crash refers to a case where at least three fatalities are recorded in a single crash. He says those driving today should be weary of wet weather and misty conditions prevailing on most roads across the province.
These roads include N12 between Delmas and Emalahleni, N11 between Middelburg and Groblersdal, N4 between Middelburg and Belfast, R38 between Barberton and Badplaas, N11 between Ermelo and Volksrust, R540 between Dullstroom and Lydenburg and R37 between Sabie and Mashishing (Lydenburg) to mention but a few.
"Motorists must adjust their driving in line with prevailing weather conditions. Where visibility is reduced they switch lights on, reduce speed, and also increase following distance.
Those who are driving long distances should rest adequately or at least every 200 kilometres or two (2) hours of driving. They should wear seatbelts along with their passengers," Macie added. The MEC further called road users to refrain from overloading their vehicles especially public transport operators.
Motorists are also called upon to ensure roadworthiness of their vehicles before commencing with their journeys.
"Being safe on the road is the responsibility of every road user. Therefore we must all play our part by obeying the rules and being cautious at all times when on the road," says the MEC.
Ends.
Issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison