Authorities and emergency responders are urging motorists in Pretoria to take extra care on the roads during the busy festive season.

This period often brings higher traffic volumes, more holiday travel, and an increase in high-risk behaviour such as drinking and driving.

Black Eagle EMS media liaison officer Dean Slater says motorists should approach the coming weeks with far more caution and awareness than usual, as responsible driving habits can reduce the number of emergencies reported during this time of year.

Slater advises that drivers should always keep to the speed limits and maintain a safe following distance, adding that following distances should increase and speeds should decrease during wet or abnormal conditions.

“This time of year often places more unpredictable and sometimes intoxicated drivers on the road. Motorists should stay alert and assume that not everyone is as vigilant as they should be. They must also be mindful of vehicles that appear to be driving abnormally,” he says.

According to Slater, the highways remain major hotspots for accidents, mostly due to excessive speed and reckless driving.

He warns that heavy rains also make low-lying roads and bridges dangerous and encourages motorists to plan their routes around these areas if it is raining.

“One of the most common causes of local accidents is drivers not paying attention to their surroundings, either because they are distracted or using their cellphones while driving,” he says.

Slater also highlights what motorists should do if they are involved in or witness an accident.

“Witnesses can immediately call the emergency line on 086 100 0365 for an ambulance, and residents can also join Accident and Medical Emergency groups where a controller will dispatch the necessary resources.”

He reminds motorists that reckless behaviour becomes more dangerous during the festive period and stressed that they should not drink and drive.

He adds that the cost of such accidents is extraordinary, aside from the financial implications, fines, and possible imprisonment.

Slater also notes that police maintain a zero-tolerance approach to speeding and drunk driving during this season.

“Passengers also have a role to play by ensuring they do not distract the driver and that they assist where possible. Pedestrians should always use designated crossing points and must never attempt to cross highways, because a driver travelling at high speed has no way to react in time if someone steps in front of them.”

As residents move into the festive rush, Slater encourages motorists to conduct full vehicle checks before long trips and to approach the season with patience and a sense of community unity.

He says people should resist losing their temper over small infractions and remember that everyone is simply trying to reach their destination safely.

With year-end functions, office parties, and festive celebrations increasing, the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA) also urges motorists to think carefully about their decisions both behind the wheel and before they get there.

MIWA chairman Dewald Ranft says the combination of alcohol, late-night driving, and poorly maintained vehicles creates a dangerous situation every December.

“Many of the vehicles that come in during the festive season show the unmistakable signs of high-impact collisions linked to drunk or fatigued driving. But what many motorists don’t realise is that a poorly maintained car can turn a bad situation into a catastrophic one,” he says.

He adds that a poorly maintained vehicle can turn a bad situation into a catastrophic one.

Ranft says alcohol-related accidents result in more severe repair work because delayed reactions, excessive speed, and reduced control often cause additional mechanical damage.

“Common damage that we see after festive crashes includes suspension and steering failures; bent or cracked rims; undercarriage and exhaust damage; blown tyres; compromised braking systems; airbag deployment; and structural damage.”

He says these repairs are costly and warns that insurance claims may be rejected entirely if alcohol is involved, leaving families to cover the full cost at the most financially difficult time of the year.

He adds that such circumstances can also lead to increased insurance premiums in the new year.

Ranft explains that even sober drivers face significant risks if their vehicles are not roadworthy for late-night festive travel.

“Late-night driving means reduced visibility, more fatigued drivers on the road, and a higher likelihood of encountering intoxicated motorists. If your own vehicle has poor tyres, dim headlights, faulty wipers, or weak brakes, you’re putting your designated driver and everyone else at unnecessary risk.”

He says motorists should secure a transport plan before attending year-end celebrations and should never hand their keys to anyone who has been drinking, even if that person insists they are fine.

Ranft encourages motorists to conduct quick safety checks before travelling at night.

“Before night-time travel, ensure your tyres have sufficient tread; headlights, taillights, and indicators work; brake pads are in good condition; windscreen wipers clear effectively; there are no fluid leaks; and the spare wheel and triangle are present,” he urges motorists.

Ranft adds that one irresponsible choice can change a family’s life forever and urged drivers not to drink and drive and to ensure their vehicles are fully roadworthy before heading out.

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