Motorists urged to be on high alert as traffic volumes are expected to soar

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Ms Gabisile Shabalala  called  on motorists to be extremely cautious as traffic volumes on most roads is on the rise.

Shabalala said with heightened vigilance on the part of all road users, many people will make it to their destinations safely.

Roads such as R555, N2, N17, N4, N3, N11, R573, R38, and R568 are among the busiest roads so far. These roads link Mpumalanga with provinces such as KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo provinces as well as Eswatini and Mozambique.

Shabalala also called on those who will be driving long distances to rest sufficiently along the way because fatigue is another contributor to poor decision making on the part of motorists.

“While every driver must ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, they need to ensure they also physically fit to drive long distances. We are also appealing to motorists to try and avoid night time driving but rather move during the day as most fatal crashes experienced so far occurred at night,” the MEC stated.

More than 70 people have died in the province since the start of the Festive Season.

Shabalala said that while law enforcement are on high alert and visibility has been greatly enhanced, it was still critical for all road users to play their part by using the road safely and obeying the rules.

Meanwhile the provincial traffic officers have stopped and checked over 99 000 vehicles since the beginning of the holiday season. Over 16 000 notices were issued to motorists for various offences. So far about 21 people were arrested for drinking and driving and about seven motorists were brought to book for excessive speeding.

Shabalala is encouraged law enforcement officers to continue saving lives by showing no mercy to negligent and reckless driving during the Festive Season and beyond.