Keep safe on the roads around Nkomazi this Easter weekend
Motorists will spot dozens of traffic police and SAPS members until Monday, as thousands pass through Nkomazi to and from Mozambique and eSwatini. Here are a few things to watch out for so you do not spend the weekend behind bars.
KOMATIPOORT – Easter weekend is considered one of the most dangerous weekends to be on the road and TRAC and the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) will be conducting several road safety initiatives in an effort to curb crashes and fatalities.
According to the department, Mpumalanga recorded 44 fatalities and 209 crashes over Easter last year, which was 30 per cent less than in 2017.
READ: #EasterWeekend: Know the busiest routes and times on SA roads
MEC Pat Nkomazi stated that roadblocks and road safety initiatives will be implemented on the province’s major roads, such as the N4 and R40. Officers will pay special attention to roadworthiness, driver fitness and the overloading of vehicles.
READ: TRAC warns against overloading vehicles
Overloading of taxis and trailers is a big problem on routes heading to the various border posts, especially during the late night and early morning hours. Nkomazi residents regularly spot trailers or vehicles with burst tyres or overloaded trailers, with a few passengers stranded next to the road during holidays.
The Lebombo and Ressano Garcia border posts have been operating 24 hours a day from Tuesday and will continue to do so until next Friday, April 26.
Motorists are advised to take advantage of the extended operating hours.
Traffic on the N4 and R570 (Jeppes Reef road) is expected to peak on Thursday afternoon, Friday morning and Monday.
A team from the Ehlanzeni District Municipality conducted a campaign at the Lebombo Border Post yesterday morning to inform people heading into South Africa about local attractions, places to stay and restaurants to help boost the region’s tourism.
MEC Ngomane and the SAPS provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, are scheduled to visit operations and border posts in the country.
Ngomane has ordered law enforcement officers to arrest any and all lawbreakers, including people that offer them bribes to escape fines or arrest.
READ: Tech Thursday: These apps can help you when traveling on the road this Easter
Motorists are warned against driving while intoxicated. The legal limit is a breath alcohol content of 0,24 mg per 1 000 or a blood alcohol limit of 0,05 g per 100 ml.
It is generally considered that two drinks in one hour will put you over the legal limit. If you will be drinking over the weekend, ensure that someone that sticks to non-alcoholic beverages drives the next day.
The DCSSL will be putting up rest stops to give long-distance drivers a place to rest. Motorists are advised to take a short break every 2 hours or 200 km.
To avoid getting fined, motorists and transport companies are urged to ensure that their driver’s and motor vehicle licenses are valid and their vehicles are roadworthy.
It is recommended that you check your vehicle’s lights, windows and wipers, tyres, brakes, battery, filters and oil and safety and warning equipment such as triangle, jack and spare wheel before setting off.
READ: Keep your family safe on the road during Easter with these tips from TRAC
