With thousands of South Africans preparing to hit the road for the festive season, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), is reminding motorists that road construction zones remain one of the highest-risk sections of any journey – especially over December when traffic volumes surge.

“Construction zones demand heightened awareness,” says Dewald Ranft, Chairman of MIWA. “Speeding, impatience and distraction drastically increase the risk of collisions – not just for motorists but for road workers and pedestrians who are often mere metres from moving vehicles. Arriving a few minutes later is always preferable to not arriving at all.”

Across the national network, road upgrades, maintenance work and emergency repairs continue throughout December to manage infrastructure deterioration, weather damage and peak-season pressure. These zones often bring:

• Sudden lane reductions
• Narrowed shoulders
• Uneven surfaces
• Temporary signage
• Workers on or near the roadway

Combined with holiday fatigue, long distances and high temperatures, the risk multiplies.

“Drivers may already be tired or stressed, and then suddenly encounter a construction zone,” notes Ranft. “That’s when reaction times are slow and mistakes happen. Preparation and patience are your best defence.”

MIWA encourages travellers to plan their journeys using real-time platforms such as Waze, Google Maps and official provincial traffic feeds. Popular corridors like the N3, N1 and N2 provide frequent updates through social media, including accounts such as @N3Route, SANRAL, and various provincial emergency services.

“These tools allow you to anticipate delays, adjust your route, or simply time your trip better,” says Ranft. “Knowing what’s ahead reduces frustration and keeps everyone calmer on the road.”

Driving smart in construction zones – 7 tips to remember

To help motorists navigate construction areas safely, MIWA recommends the following:

• Slow down early and smoothly – sudden braking causes chain-reaction collisions.
• Maintain a generous following distance – construction zones change quickly.
• Expect unexpected stops – workers, machinery or lane shifts may appear without warning.
• Pay close attention to temporary signs and flag personnel – they override normal rules.
• Stay focused – avoid distractions from passengers, phones or navigation apps while moving.
• Merge courteously and early – forcing your way in at the last moment creates bottlenecks.
• Be mindful of workers – they are often just centimetres from live traffic.

Ranft adds a final reminder for December holidaymakers: “Construction zones are not an inconvenience – they are essential to keeping our roads serviceable and safe. A moment of patience can prevent a life-changing crash. Please slow down, show courtesy, and help ensure everyone gets home safely this festive season.”