Gauteng motorists urged to drive carefully amid heavy rainfall
With rain soaking Gauteng roads, traffic authorities are urging motorists and pedestrians to stay alert and prioritise safety.
The Gauteng Traffic Police’s Road Safety Education Unit has urged residents to exercise caution on the roads amid ongoing heavy rainfall.
Rain began on Sunday, September 28, and according to the South African Weather Service, more isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected over the next two days.
Obed Sibasa, spokesperson for the Road Safety Education Unit, warned that wet and flooded roads are creating dangerous driving conditions.
He advised motorists to drive carefully, keep headlights on, reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, use windscreen wipers, and avoid low-lying bridges. Motorists were also urged to watch out for pedestrians who may cross roads unsafely.
Sibasa also highlighted a concerning trend: More crashes occur on the weekend following the 25th of each month, when many residents receive their salaries. During this period, over 20 collisions have been recorded, resulting in a mix of fatal, serious, and minor injuries.
Factors contributing to these collisions include drunk driving, speeding, unsafe overtaking, and reckless or negligent behaviour.
“This reckless and irresponsible driving puts innocent lives at risk and underscores the importance of safe and responsible driving,” Sibasa concluded.
