Be cautious on the roads this festive season
To ensure that roads are made safe for all users, there will be extra patrolling and high visibility by law enforcement officers.
THE festive season should be about taking time off to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, spending time with loved ones and creating joyful memories to take with you into the new year. It should not be marred by vehicle crashes or road-user fatalities when travelling to holiday destinations, says Bakwena N1N4 toll road concessionaire.
Charmaine van Wyk of Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire, operator of the N1N4 toll route, urges motorists to obey the rules of the road, abide by speed limits and take extra precautions, especially at designated traffic hotspots in the upcoming holiday season.
Van Wyk encourages motorists, whether driving to the coast, mountains, or bush, to plan their travel routes ahead of time, allowing sufficient time to reach their destinations and to bear their safety and that of other road-users in mind at all times.
“Unfortunately, there is a notable increase in the number of traffic-related crashes and fatalities over the holiday period, with South Africa ranking 42nd in terms of road fatalities as a percentage of the population (not motorists), according to the World Resources Institute. However, these statistics are not typically out of line with national averages given the far greater volume of vehicles on the road,” said van Wyk.
To ensure that roads are made safe for all users, there will be extra patrolling and high visibility by law enforcement officers. She especially urges motorists to avoid unsafe overtaking; not to drink and drive, avoid driving while distracted and not to continue driving when tired or fatigued.
“Driving fatigue often occurs when motorists set off at the end of a day’s work, rather than leaving after a good night’s rest. This is a common cause of accidents and fatalities,” said Van Wyk.
She offers the following additional tips:
• Peak travel times are expected on December 8, 15 and 22 between 12 noon and 8pm on the N1 northbound and the N1 southbound on January 2 and 7 2018 between 12 noon and 8pm.
• It is advisable for drivers to plan their journeys in advance to avoid travelling during these peak periods.
• All lanes at plazas will be open, including reversible lanes in peak directions. This is to ensure smoother traffic flow on the routes that Bakwena manages.
• Check that tyres, lights, brakes, water/oil levels and windscreen wipers are functional. This should be standard for any long journey to mitigate avoidable road incidents.
• Maintain a safe following distance of at least three seconds or more between vehicles. This should be increased at times of low visibility.
• Do not drink and drive. “Drinking and driving is a major contributor to crashes on South African roads. Visible policing and increased patrols by our own vehicles will be a priority along the N1N4 routes. The police and traffic authorities will deal with those caught driving under the influence of alcohol to the fullest extent of the law,” adds Van Wyk.
• Avoid texting or reading mobile devices while driving. Leave that up to your passengers!
• On long trips, take breaks every two hours or every 200km and immediately stop and rest when feeling tired.
• Invest in an e-tag for a quick, convenient and efficient tolling experience. “Having an e-tag is a fast and convenient means of payment and reduces the need to stop at tolls or keep cash on hand for toll fees and/or use of credit card.”
• Do not stop on the side of the road unless you are faced with an emergency and ensure you are as far as possible to the left of the yellow line.
Van Wyk concludes: “As part of our continued commitment to ensuring motorists enjoy a safe and pleasant trip on the N1N4 routes this festive season, Bakwena has again partnered with Imperial Road Safety and Hyundai SA to double up on patrol vehicles. The six vehicles handed over by Imperial Road Safety and Hyundai SA on December 5 will effectively assist with more visible policing, crash assistance as well as aid road users who find themselves in difficulty along the route.”
In case of an emergency, road users simply have to call the Bakwena Customer Care Centre on 0800-Bakwena (0800 225 9362) and use the information displayed on the blue kilometre board markers to provide details of their location when reporting an accident or requesting assistance. Additionally, motorists can also follow @BakwenaN1N4 on Twitter for live traffic updates.
Courtesy: Charmaine van Wyk and PR Worx.
Also Read:
Top 10 tips for a crime-free festive season
How to keep your movable assets safe while travelling this holiday
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