Pretoria - Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Vusi Shongwe has called on motorists to exercise extreme care and due diligence while driving amid on-going rainy weather in of the province.
This warning comes after five people were seriously injured in seven separate accidents reported on the N4 Toll Road between Machadodorp and Middelburg since Friday night.
One driver was killed when he lost control of his vehicle before it overturned on the R568 road between Vaalbank and KwaMhlanga last night.
“Let us be more vigilant and be patient in order to avoid unnecessary accidents on our roads, motorists must keep their headlights on while driving in order to enhance their visibility. Drivers also need to reduce speed and remain extremely alert in order to reach their destinations safely,” Shongwe said.
He also advised motorists to verify weather conditions for places they intended travelling to and also allow extra time to complete their trips.
The South African Weather Service had advised the public that there is a high likelihood of widespread heavy rains over the North West, Gauteng, eastern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, from late Friday to Sunday.
“The public is urged not to try to cross rivers and streams that are in flood, irrespective of whether they are on foot or in a vehicle. People living in areas close to rivers or within flood plains must also monitor the rising water levels,” warned the South African Weather Service. – SAnews.gov.za
