The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned motorists to exercise extreme caution when driving on icy roads.

Severe snow and wet conditions have been reported in parts of the country, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State.

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‘The South African Weather Service has issued an alert for strong surface winds, severe thunderstorms affecting Gauteng, and snow fall affecting the Eastern Cape and some parts of the country,’ the RTMC said at the weekend.

During this period, the RTMC advises road users to adhere to Arrive Alive road safety messages and follow the advice below:

Driving safely on icy roads

Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

Turn on your lights to increase your visibil
ity to other motorists.

Keep your lights and windshield clean.

Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently travelled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

Don’t pass snow ploughs and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on icy roads.

Source: South African Government News Agency