With the Easter weekend upon us, we can expect higher traffic volumes, as many of us will be on the roads heading to holiday spots or visiting family and friends all over the country.
According to the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) it is every single road user’s responsibility to be safe on the roads during this long weekend period. It notes, “Just because you’re not driving doesn’t mean you’re not a road user. Passengers, commuters, pedestrians, cyclists, people riding motorbikes, and even people selling products on the road are all road users. Along with electronic devices, drink, drugs and distraction are all dangerous to all road users.”
The AA offers the following tips for road users:
- Rest before travel. Do not make a journey, especially a long journey, if you are tired. While on the road, stop every two hours or 200 kilometres to stretch, and get fresh air.
- Put all non-essential electronic devices away. If you are driving with a cell phone, use it only when you have to, not when you want to. Don’t text and drive.
- Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears their seatbelt, drive to the conditions of the road, and obey all the rules of the road. Especially in the Free state!
- Be courteous to other drivers.
- The speed limit is not a target to be attained. Respect it.
- Don’t overtake when it is illegal or unsafe to do so.
- If you are cyclist or riding a motorbike, also make yourself visible and ensure all protective clothing (including the helmet) are in a good condition,
- If you are a pedestrian, walk where it is safe, and make yourself as visible as possible. Wear reflective vests, sashes, or other items of clothing to make yourself stand out (especially at night on dimly or badly lit roads). Pedestrians make out a substantial part of alcohol related fatalities.
- Drink or drive.
- Respect traffic law enforcement, they are there to ensure your and other road users’ safety.
- Enjoy your drive and arrive safely at your destination.
Remember: we all have the added responsibility of protecting ourselves and others from COVID-19. Not just about safe distance between cars, keep your social distance as well.
