Gauteng Traffic Police calls caution on drivers during this festive season

Gauteng Traffic Police urge motorists to exercise caution and vigilance as traffic volumes are expected to increase during this festive season.

This is after many road users are said to travel to various destinations to spend time with their families and friends during this festive season.

Sello Maremane of Gauteng Traffic Police warned that major roads exiting and leading to Gauteng are also expected to be heavily congested the next few days.

They call upon motorists, particularly public transport operators, to make road safety a priority, especially during this festive season.

“The law enforcement authorities have observed that many accidents occur as a result of non-compliance with the rules of the road. We would like to urge motorists to obey the rules of the road and keep Gauteng City region safe. We would also like to appeal to pedestrians to take charge of their safety during this season,” said Maremane.

They also urge road users to comply with Covid-19 regulations, such as wearing face masks and practising social distance.

According to Maremane, the following freeways are expected to be busy this weekend and beyond:

• N1 Pretoria to Polokwane

• N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga

• N4 Pretoria to Rustenburg

• N3 Johannesburg to Durban

• R59 Johannesburg to Sasolburg

• N17 Johannesburg to Mpumalanga

• N12 Johannesburg to Emalahleni

• N12 Johannesburg to Potchefstroom

• R21 Johannesburg to Pretoria

• R28 Krugersdorp to Pretoria

Gauteng Traffic Police also shared its safety tips to enhance road safety during the festive season and beyond:

• Drivers must at all times adhere to the prescribed speed limit.

• Passengers are encouraged not to carry large luggage with them which might overload the vehicles they will be traveling with.

• All road users are advised not to consume alcohol when undertaking any trip.

• Motorists must never overtake another vehicle when it is unsafe to do so or in contravention with any rule of the road.

• Drivers are encouraged to rest every two hours of driving as fatigue may cause a crash.

• When visibility is hampered or during heavy rainfall, motorists are encouraged to switch on their headlamps.

• Pedestrians must never walk on freeways.

• Pedestrians must not wear earphones while walking.

• Motorcyclists must always wear helmets and refrain from overtaking other vehicles while it is unsafe to do so.

• Reckless and negligent driving must always be avoided.