RTMC urges road safety ahead of Heritage Day celebrations, long weekend and school closures

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is calling for heightened road safety awareness as South Africans prepare to travel over the Heritage Day long weekend, which coincides with school closures. The long weekend typically sees a surge in vehicle traffic on major routes and around popular destinations, as families travel to visit relatives and engage in holiday activities. In response, the RTMC is urging motorists to exercise extreme caution and make road safety a top priority.

Motorists are advised to check traffic and weather conditions before embarking on their journeys, allowing sufficient time to reach their destinations without rushing. To minimize risks, drivers should ensure their vehicles are in roadworthy condition before setting off. The RTMC emphasizes the importance of adhering to speed limits and adjusting speed according to road, traffic, and weather conditions.

It is also strongly advised to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and to avoid distractions such as using cellphones while driving.

Regular breaks should be taken during long journeys to prevent driver fatigue, and motorists should maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Extra caution is particularly recommended around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and children, especially in residential areas and near recreational facilities. Children should be properly secured in appropriate child-restraint systems, and parents and caregivers are urged to remind children about basic pedestrian safety, particularly when walking near busy roads, shopping centres, public transport facilities, and holiday destinations.

The RTMC emphasizes that the Heritage Day long weekend and school closure present an opportunity for families and communities to spend time together. However, it stresses that all road users must play their part in preventing crashes and ensuring everyone reaches their destination safely. The organization urges everyone to "Arrive alive. Slow down, stay alert, and make safety a priority."