With the risk of flash floods and hazardous driving conditions, pedestrians, motorists and people living in low-lying areas are urged to remain vigilant in this wet weather.

According to the EMPD spokesperson, Thabiso Makgato, during the current weather conditions a significant number of accidents and traffic disruptions have been reported on the roads in different parts of the city.

Latest reported incidents
With the dangerous driving conditions, local busy roads saw a number of accidents reported between February 17 and 19, causing major delays.

These include a head-on collision in which a minibus scholar transport vehicle, transporting 10 Phola Park Primary School pupils, collided with a Hyundai Getz on Tonk Meter Road in Springs this morning (February 19).

The school transport driver and the Hyundai Getz (a woman who was travelling with her child) sustained serious injuries. All the children were taken to Netcare N17 Hospital for further observations. No fatalities were reported.

An eyewitness told the police that the driver of the minibus (a Volkswagen Microbus) had crossed a barrier line to overtake queuing traffic on the road when his vehicle collided with the oncoming Hyundai Getz head-on.

To prevent further injuries, damages and even loss of lives, Makgato urges motorists to take precautions on the roads as road accidents tend to increase with the downpours.
“We appeal to motorists to adhere to road safety rules.”

Back home in Boksburg, there were several flash floods. These include the low-lying stretch of Trichardts Road around the railway bridge near the Boksburg Library.
The persistent heavy rainfall also rendered driving on the stretch of Madeley Road between Dayan and Pretoria roads in Hughes, as well as the stretch of Main Reef Road near the Angelo hotel, a nightmare.

The EMPD advised motorists not to enter flooded low-water bridges or roads, as this may lead to serious injuries and damages to vehicles or even loss of lives.
Emergency services in the city said they are on high alert following a weather warning for heavy rains.
The city’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) said its teams are monitoring the situation and responding to all incidents accordingly.

Recommended safety measures
The EMPD advises motorists in particular to adhere to the following road safety rules:
• Wear your seatbelt.
⁠• Ensure that windshield wipers are working front and back for clear visibility.
• Headlights should be on.
• ⁠Reduce speed.
• ⁠Maintain a safe following distance.
• ⁠Ensure tyres have a good tread depth.
• ⁠Avoid applying brakes abruptly as it may cause the motor vehicle to skid or lose control.
• ⁠Avoid water puddles, low-lying bridges and lookout for potholes.
• ⁠Drivers should apply patience leading to vehicle pileups or traffic congestion.
• ⁠Avoid using a cellphone while driving.

Important numbers
DEMS is on hand to assist with rescue and in case of fire, so keep their contact details handy:
011 458 0911 – life-threatening Ekurhuleni emergency line
10177 – national toll-free number
112 – cellphone
For medical and trauma patient care, call Gauteng Ambulance Services on 011 564 2211/10
Police – 10111