Johannesburg: With the festive season holidays drawing to a close, road users are encouraged to act responsibly and remain vigilant as heavy traffic is anticipated on all major routes nationwide this weekend. Law enforcement officers will maintain high levels of visibility during this period.

According to South African Government News Agency, motorists are advised to plan their trips carefully and avoid travelling at night, as evidence shows that most deadly crashes happen after sunset and in the early hours of the morning. Travel data analyzed since the start of the festive season road safety campaign on December 1 shows that 21% of fatal crashes occur between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., and 6% between midnight and 1 a.m. These times have witnessed most head-on collisions, claiming many lives, as stated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

Drivers are urged to take sufficient breaks to avoid fatigue. The RTMC emphasized that speeding, drunken driving, and reckless conduct will not be tolerated. They also called upon public transport operators to avoid overloading and ensure their permits are valid for the routes they operate on. Further, public transport operators are urged to desist from loading and off-loading passengers at unsafe spots, as this increases the risk of pedestrian crashes.

More than 4,700 public transport vehicles have been impounded for contravention of operator permits, while 12,600 vehicles have been discontinued for roadworthy-related infringements. Motorists are also advised to check the weather forecast to avoid driving through storms and crossing over flooded bridges. The RTMC reminded motorists to reduce speed in rainy conditions, increase the following distance between vehicles, and keep their lights on. Speed must also be reduced when driving past residential areas or pedestrian-dense locations.