RESCUECARE emergency services has issued a statement of warning against veld fires during this dry season of winter. Motorists are urged to be aware of the dangers that veld fires cause and a host of challenges a driver may experience when they occur in the vicinity of a national freeway or major road. “Veld fires and the way they affect driver behaviour is something we encounter every year, and now, as we move into the middle of winter, they are becoming all the more prominent,” said Rescuecare Director, Garrith Jamieson.
He added that the best way to handle these adverse driving conditions is to proceed with caution and to always give way to the emergency services vehicles attending to these cases.
“Obviously, with a large amount of smoke, there will be reduced visibility and often an increase in traffic calming. Drivers should immediately reduce their speed and exercise caution in that specific situation. If visibility is completely reduced to zero, pull your car to a stop in an area that his safe and place your hazard lights on. There should also be awareness of EMS vehicles which may be responding to the fire and these should be given the right of way,” Jamieson said.
