Traffic cops call for caution on roads over long weekend

Road users throughout the Gauteng province were urged to remain cautious as they hit the road over the upcoming long weekend.

“We urge all road users, namely drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to remain vigilant at all times when using our roads during this period,” Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) spokesperson Sello Maremame said.

This as many were expected to travel to various destinations to spend time with their families and friends during the long weekend where Heritage Day would be celebrated.

Major roads leading to and from Gauteng were expected to be heavily congested on Thursday, September 23 and Sunday, September 26.

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Some of the major freeways and routes which were expected to be congested during this time were:

– N4 Pretoria to Polokwane

– N4 Pretoria to Rustenburg

– N4 Pretoria to Mpumalanga

– N12 Johannesburg to Potchefstroom

– N3 Johannesburg to Durban

“The GTP will be on high alert during this period to save the lives of road users and will lead a series of road safety activations and operations in various crime hotspots as part of the road safety programme,” he said.

Maremane further said that statistics recorded between September 22 and 28, 2020 showed that a total of 49 people lost their lives on the roads in the province.

“These statistics are highly regrettable and therefore a stark reminder that road users must obey the rules of and regulations of the road to save lives,” he said.

The fatalities were attributed to a variety of factors, namely unsafe overtaking, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and general disregard of the rules of the road or traffic signs.

“Road safety is the responsibility of every road user,” Maremane said.

The following road safety tips were offered:

– Conduct a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle to ensure it is roadworthy before undertaking any trip.

– Be on the look-out for people placing spikes or other objects on the road.

– Adhere to the rules and regulations of the road at all times.

– Passengers should refuse to travel in a vehicle that is visibly unroadworthy.

– Motorcyclists should refrain from overtaking vehicles where it was potentially unsafe.

– Pedestrians should not use the roads when they are intoxicated and should wear visible clothing at night as they remained vulnerable on the freeways.

SOUNDCLIP:

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