Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has urged motorists to be vigilant when travelling to their Easter weekend destinations.
He called on motorists to observe the rules of the road, stressing that traffic authorities will have zero tolerance for transgressors.
"Law enforcement authorities must close rank against all forms of transgressions of the rules of the road without compromise. We expect nothing less than arrests for people driving at excessive speeds and driving under the influence of alcohol," said Ndebele on Wednesday.
The department called on motorists and passengers to put on their seatbelts at all times, while also requesting motorists to take rest stops frequently as well as to look out for pedestrians on the roads.
The Easter long weekend kicks off on Friday.
Those travelling by public transport were urged not to remain silent when drivers disobey the rules of the road.
"Research shows that most crashes that happen on our roads could have been avoided. It is also common knowledge that fatigue is one of the major killers of people on our roads," he explained.
The department, together with traffic authorities at all spheres of government, will be out on all major hotspots around the country educating motorists and passengers about road safety and enforcing road rules.
On Wednesday, a national road safety drive was held at Midrand's Shell Ultra City, with the next to be held at the Engen One Stop shop in Kranskop on the N1 to Limpopo tomorrow.
The third one will be held on Monday along the N1 to Johannesburg.
