JOHANNESBURG: As the New Year approaches, South Africa’s National Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has announced heightened law enforcement measures to ensure road safety during the festive season. The RTMC urges motorists to drive with caution and adhere to traffic regulations amid increased travel activities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the RTMC has implemented stricter enforcement on roads and at entertainment venues to protect all road users, especially on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and the subsequent return of holidaymakers. Since the start of the festive season road safety campaign on December 1, authorities have stopped and inspected over one million vehicles at various roadblocks nationwide. The campaign has resulted in 6,470 arrests for offenses including drunken driving, excessive speeding, driving without licenses, reckless driving, and overloading. Additionally, more than 120 pedestrians have been arrested for jaywalking, which endangers other road users.
Traffic officials are also targeting unroadworthy vehicles, removing them from the roads to prevent accidents. The RTMC emphasizes the importance of vehicle maintenance, urging motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before traveling back to urban areas. Public transport operators are reminded to have valid permits for their routes. The campaign has led to 9,309 vehicles being discontinued and declared unfit for public roads due to safety violations, and over 5,700 public transport vehicles have been impounded for operator permit violations.
The RTMC has released safety tips for drivers, advising them to reduce speed, increase following distances, avoid driving in flooded areas, and stay alert to strong winds. Motorists should check weather and road updates and be prepared for adverse conditions like lightning and hail. The corporation also stresses the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding heat exhaustion during long journeys.
The RTMC appeals to all drivers, especially truck drivers, public transport operators, and long-distance travellers, to exercise patience and caution during wet and rainy conditions. The corporation highlights the unpredictability of severe weather and the necessity of responsible driving to prevent incidents and save lives.