Authorities tighten road safety ahead of back-to-back long weekends
High-risk routes and districts flagged ahead of Freedom Day and Workers’ Day travel.
he Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has identified high-risk routes and areas across the country as it prepares to intensify law enforcement ahead of two consecutive long weekends.
With Freedom Day on April 27 and Workers’ Day on May 1, authorities expect a surge in travel, including interprovincial trips. This is likely to increase traffic volumes on national roads and elevate the risk of crashes and fatalities.
According to the RTMC, intelligence-led operations will be rolled out nationwide, with increased visibility of traffic officers to ensure compliance with road rules.
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Major routes expected to experience heavy congestion include the N1, N2, N3, N4 and R61, which typically carry high volumes of holiday traffic.
Pedestrian safety remains a major concern, with the RTMC noting that pedestrian-vehicle collisions account for 43% of road fatalities.
High-risk districts have been identified as key focus areas for enforcement, including the City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, City of Tshwane, eThekwini and City of Cape Town, as well as Nkangala, Bojanala, Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Sekhukhune.
Together, these areas account for nearly half of all fatal crashes and road deaths in the country.
Targeted enforcement will also focus on public transport operations, with authorities set to monitor safe stopping zones and clamp down on unsafe passenger drop-offs.
Motorists have been urged to remain patient and vigilant, particularly in residential areas and near informal settlements where pedestrian activity is expected to increase.
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Pedestrians are advised to avoid walking on roads while under the influence of alcohol, stay off highways, use pedestrian bridges where available, and wear visible clothing at night.
The RTMC said the coordinated operations aim to reduce road fatalities and ensure safer travel during the busy holiday period.
