With predictions of severe weather conditions in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal in the coming days leading to the weekend, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution to avoid crashes.
The South African Weather Service has issued weather alerts for severe thunderstorms and disruptive rainfalls that are likely to affect visibility and travel between the hours of 6pm and 1am.
“This is likely to affect those who will be travelling on the N1 and R101 between Limpopo and Gauteng. Other routes that are likely to be impacted are the N11 from Alldays to Marble Hall, the R33 Lephalale via Marble Hall, R40 from Phalaborwa via Carolina to Barberton, R524 from Thohoyandou to Louis Trichardt, R71 from Tzaneen to Polokwane, as well as R81 from Giyani to Polokwane.
“In Mpumalanga, visibility will likely affect driving conditions along the following routes: N4 from Emalahleni to Johannesburg, N3 between Villiers and Heidelberg, N17 Oshoek border via Ermelo and Secunda to Johannesburg, the N4 from Lebombo border via Mbombela to Bronkhorstspruit,” RTMC said on Tuesday.
Driving conditions in some of these routes are likely to be affected by fog, which will make visibility poor.
Consider the following important safety tips:
- Reduce speed: Wet roads can be slippery. Drive at a reduced speed to maintain control of your vehicle.
- Maintain safe following distance: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front to allow for longer stopping distances.
- Use headlights: Keep your headlights on to improve visibility and ensure you are visible to other drivers.
- Avoid sudden manoeuvres: Sudden braking or sharp turns can lead to loss of control on slippery surfaces.
- Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists: They may also be struggling with reduced visibility and challenging conditions.
- Stay informed: Keep updated with the latest weather forecasts and traffic reports.
- SAnews.gov.za
