Pretoria:Motorists are being urged to prioritize road safety as thousands of South Africans are expected to travel over the Heritage Day long weekend. The holiday coincides with school closures, prompting many families to travel, visit relatives, and engage in holiday activities, leading to increased traffic volumes on major routes and around popular destinations.
According to South African Government News Agency, motorists are encouraged to check traffic and weather conditions before departing, allow sufficient time for their journeys, and avoid unnecessary risks to ensure safe arrival at their destinations. It is also advised that vehicles be checked for roadworthiness before traveling.
Parents and caregivers should remind children about basic pedestrian safety, especially when walking near busy roads, shopping centers, public transport facilities, and holiday destinations. Heritage Day, celebrated annually on 24 September, is a time to recognize and celebrate the nation's cultural wealth.
All road users are called upon to help prevent crashes and ensure safe journeys by obeying speed limits, adjusting speed according to conditions, never driving under the influence, and avoiding mobile phone use while driving. Ensuring that all occupants wear seat belts, taking regular breaks during long trips, and maintaining a safe following distance are also recommended.
Additional caution should be exercised around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children, particularly in residential areas and recreational spots. Children should be secured in appropriate child-restraint systems. Motorists are advised to avoid dangerous overtaking, obey traffic signs, and check tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers, and fluid levels before traveling.
