EASTERN CAPE – The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution on the province’s roads as persistent winter weather continues to create hazardous driving conditions.
According to the department, persistent rainfall has left many roads wet and slippery, while poor visibility in several areas has significantly increased the risk of road crashes.
“Motorists are advised to reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance, switch on their headlights, and avoid sudden braking or overtaking where visibility is compromised,” the department said.
The department further warned that winter conditions bring additional hazards, including late sunrises, early sunsets, possible snowfall and the formation of black ice on high-lying routes.
The department said these conditions can make roads extremely dangerous, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.
Motorists are encouraged to:
- Adjust their speed according to weather and road conditions.
- Ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, with tyres, brakes and windscreen wipers in good condition.
- Avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather where possible.
- Follow all road closure notices and instructions issued by traffic authorities.
The department’s traffic law enforcement officers and road maintenance teams remain on high alert and continue to monitor conditions across the provincial road network.
“The safety of all road users remains our highest priority, and we appeal to motorists to play their part by driving responsibly and remaining alert throughout this period of adverse weather,” the department said.
