Increased traffic volumes demand your on-road attention
Do you feel somewhat bombarded by all the reminders about traffic safety? We hear you, but often motorists are the ones who are not heeding to the repeated warnings.
Schools close on December 15 and the N1, N2, N3, N4 and N7 routes will bear the brunt of the increased traffic as holiday goers travel to the coast and other destinations. Traffic volumes are expected to pick up across the country in the next few weeks as schools and business close and people make their way to vacation destinations across the country. The Automobile Association (AA) says this period is particularly dangerous as the increased traffic leads to increased crashes and fatalities.
Statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) remind us about the 1 395 fatal crashes and 1 808 fatalities during the festive period from December 1, 2021 to January 11, 2022. This is the stark and dark reality of travelling during this season.
“Road users must improve their attitudes and driving behaviors. We, therefore, encourage all motorists to ensure they have a calm, conscientious and courteous attitude on the road, not only during this festive period but throughout the year,” the AA says.
“Road safety cannot be the responsibility of the authorities alone; every road user has a role to play. Traffic law enforcers work exceedingly hard over this period to make our roads safer, but these efforts are thwarted by road users who drive recklessly, who don’t obey the rules of the road, and who believe they are above the law,” notes the AA.
The AA offers the following tips for travellers:
• Keep left, pass right. A simple rule which should be followed by all moving vehicles. It’s also courteous to drivers to make way for them if they are moving quicker than you. Driving too slow in a lane when there are faster vehicles behind is dangerous and could lead to road rage incidents. The correct approach is to allow faster vehicles to pass when it is safe to do so. Don’t police other drivers, leave that to the authorities.
• Ensure everyone in the vehicle (front and back) is buckled up.
• Drink or drive. If you are going to be doing the one, don’t do the other. It’s the same if you are walking: drink or walk.
• If you are walking, be visible, especially at night and at dawn or dusk, and in poorly lit areas.
• While on the road, take a breather every two hours or every 200km. This will help you stay alert behind the wheel. Take the time to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and be relaxed for a few moments before continuing your journey.
• If you’re a biker, or riding on a bicycle, wear a helmet and other necessary protective gear.
• Drive to the conditions of the road, not necessarily to the indicated speed limit.
• Distracted driving is dangerous, and means you aren’t focused on the road ahead. Put your cell phone in the boot and use it only in an emergency.
• Ensure your tyres (and spare) are in a good condition and properly inflated. Don’t discover that your spare tyre is flat at the side of the road.
• Ensure your windscreen wipers (front and back) are in good condition. Even relatively new wiper blades may deteriorate quickly if left in the sun for long periods. Streaking, skipping, slipping or squeaking wipers are telling you they need attention. Don’t’ discover midway through your journey that they don’t work properly.
• Be prepared for any roadside, medical or security situation by downloading the AA RescueMe app (available on all platforms).
• Take a detour, get off the beaten track and explore our beautiful country. Make the journey part of your trip. For any accommodation needs visit www.aatravel.co.za.
Planning your trip properly and checking your attitude every time your start your car will prevent you from having to squander time on things like roadside breakdowns and traffic jams.
Source: AA
