South African roads are bracing for significant congestion this weekend as millions of holiday makers begin their journey home following the Christmas and New Year break.
Traffic authorities has warned that all major routes across the country will experience high traffic volumes as the festive season holidays come to an end. Law enforcement officers will maintain heightened visibility on the roads, and motorists are being urged to plan their trips carefully to ensure safe travels.
In a warning issued on Thursday, Arrive Alive advised drivers to avoid travelling at night, citing evidence that shows most deadly crashes occur after sunset and in the early morning hours. Travel data analysed since the start of the festive season road safety campaign on December 1 reveals a disturbing pattern: 21 percent of fatal crashes happen between 19:00 and 22:00, with a further six percent occurring between midnight and 01:00. These are the times when most head-on collisions have taken place, claiming numerous lives.
Authorities are calling on drivers to take sufficient breaks during their journeys to avoid fatigue, while emphasising that speeding, drunk driving and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated. The message is clear: arrive alive, not on time.
Public transport operators have also come under scrutiny, with more than 4 700 vehicles impounded for contravention of operator permits since the campaign began. Another 12 600 vehicles have been discontinued for roadworthiness-related infringements. Operators are being urged to avoid overloading passengers and to ensure their permits are valid for the routes they operate on. They have been called upon to stop loading and offloading passengers at unsafe spots, as this practice significantly increases the risk of pedestrian crashes.
With unpredictable weather conditions affecting parts of the country, motorists are advised to check weather forecasts before departure and to avoid driving through storms or attempting to cross flooded bridges. When driving in rainy conditions, drivers should reduce their speed, increase following distances, keep their lights on, and exercise particular caution when passing through residential areas or pedestrian-dense locations.
As South Africans make their way home after the festive break, the authorities’ message remains simple but vital: patience, caution and adherence to road rules could mean the difference between life and death.
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