500 buses to Moria and bad weather: How to survive Easter traffic

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has issued an urgent appeal to motorists planning Easter weekend travel to consider their routes and heed weather warnings carefully.

This comes as severe weather conditions are expected to impact several regions during the busy holiday period.

The South African Weather Service has predicted a cold front that will bring dropping temperatures, heavy rainfall, and possible snowfall, particularly affecting KwaZulu-Natal.

In response to these forecasts, authorities advise travellers to postpone journeys during periods of intense rainfall and avoid crossing flooded bridges.

Traffic officials will be strategically positioned along routes likely affected by the adverse weather, and motorists are urged to comply with their instructions.

According to Arrive Alive, provincial and municipal disaster response teams are being placed on standby to assist if necessary.

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Traffic volumes expected to surge

Traffic is anticipated to increase significantly on Thursday as travellers embark on religious pilgrimages and family visits during the long weekend.

Putco has reportedly dispatched around 500 buses to Moria, Limpopo, for the first full pilgramage since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The RTMC has emphasised the importance of caution, patience, and adherence to road rules during this busy period.

In a coordinated effort to maintain traffic flow and enforce road regulations, officers from both traffic departments and the South African Police Service have been deployed across major routes.

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N3 Toll route preparations for Easter weekend

The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) reported on Thursday morning that travellers should prepare for wet weather and congested traffic conditions along the N3 Toll Route throughout the Easter weekend.

“Pay attention to changing road and weather reports, heed warnings, and adapt your driving style to the prevailing conditions,” said Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3TC.

“Adverse weather, combined with increased traffic volumes may result in additional traffic delays and congestion. Please be prepared for every eventuality and ensure you have emergency provisions in your vehicle.”

The N3TC has positioned road incident management system (RIMS) services at strategic locations along the route for the weekend.

Travellers can expect high visibility of law enforcement and strict implementation of traffic laws.

The organisation has committed to monitoring and communicating updates about road, traffic, and weather conditions.

ALSO READ: Joburg emergency services on high alert as rain persists in Gauteng

Safety guidelines for inclement weather

The RTMC has issued specific advice for travelling in difficult weather conditions, particularly on icy roads.

Arrive Alive urged drivers to adhere to its road safety messages and follow the advice below:

• Reduce speed significantly and maintain extra distance between vehicles (at least three times the normal spacing)
• Apply brakes gently to prevent skidding; release brake pressure if wheels begin to lock
• Increase visibility by turning on headlights
• Ensure both lights and the windshield remain clean
• Use lower gears, particularly on hills, to maintain traction
• Avoid using cruise control or overdrive features
• Exercise extra caution on bridges, overpasses, and less-travelled road,s as these freeze first
• Be aware that ice can form in shaded areas and on elevated roadways even when temperatures are above freezing
• Remember that all vehicles, including those with four-wheel or front-wheel drive, can lose control on icy surfaces

Pedestrians have been specifically cautioned to avoid busy roads and utilise pedestrian bridges when crossing.

As authorities prepare for the holiday traffic surge, the message remains clear: safety must be the priority for all road users during the challenging Easter weekend conditions.

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