Easter weekend is upon us and begins on Good Friday April 7, and ends on Tuesday following the public holiday on Monday after Easter Sunday on April 9.
As per usual road safety is always a concern in Mzansi with the amount of road fatalities that we witness year in and year out.
Statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) show that 270 people died on the country’s roads over the Easter period in 2021. More than 2,500 have died on the country’s roads over the Easter period in the last decade.
The Automobile Association (AA) urges motorists to be especially vigilant on the roads for their own, and other road users’ safety.
“While traffic law enforcement is enhanced during this weekend, many road users continue to disobey the rules of the road, and to disregard their own and other road users’ safety. We therefore urge motorists, those on motorbikes, and pedestrians to be mindful of the increase in traffic volumes and to ensure they are cautious and always focused on the road when travelling.”
Ahead of this long weekend, the association offers the following tips for road users:
- Do not drink or drive.
- No not text or drive.
- Rest before you travel. Do not drive if you are tired. Stop every two hours or 200km to stretch and get fresh air.
- Do not use electronic devices while driving. Use mobile phones only when needed in an emergency.
- Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt (front and back).
- Drive according to the conditions of the road. The indicated speed limit is not a target.
- Do not overtake when it is unsafe to do so, and respect and obey the road markings which indicate when you may or may not pass other vehicles.
- If you are cyclist, riding a motorbike or a pedestrian, make yourself visible and ensure your protective clothing is in good condition.
- Ride and walk where it is safe to do so.
- Respect traffic law enforcement, they are there to ensure your and other road users’ safety.
- Enjoy your drive and arrive safely at your destination.
