Many South African’s will celebrate the long Easter weekend by travelling to visit family and friends.
This means traffic on the country’s roads will increase.
Statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation reported that 2500 people have died in the last decade on the country’s roads over the Easter weekend.
In a bid to heighten road safety awareness for the long weekend that begins on Good Friday, 7 April and ends on Family Day, 10 April, RTMC launched the Safer Easter Road Campaign in Woodmead today.
Heightened #RoadSafety awareness campaign for a safer #Easter weekend. #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/U5QIclBTze
— Road Traffic Management Corporation (@TrafficRTMC) April 4, 2023
Law enforcement visibility is important to maintain some form of order on roads but each driver is responsible for the safekeeping of their passengers and others on the road.
Safety first should always be the order of the day. Drivers must ensure that their cars are mechanically sound, that tyres are roadworthy and that wipers work.
The Automotive Association shares the following road safety tips that could help you and your family arrive alive this Easter:
- Drink or drive. Do not attempt both.
- Text or drive. Refrain from screentime while driving and connect it to Bluetooth for calls.
- Rest before you travel. Do not drive if you are tired. Stop every two hours or 200 kilometres to stretch and get fresh air.
- Do not use electronic devices while driving. Use cellphones only when needed in an emergency.
- Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt (front and back).
- Drive to the conditions of the road. The indicated speed limit is not a target.
- Do not overtake when it is unsafe to do so, and respect and obey the road markings which indicate when you may or may not pass other vehicles.
If you are a pedestrian, biker or cyclist, follow these safety tips this Easter:
- If you are cyclist, riding a motorbike or a pedestrian, make yourself visible and ensure your protective clothing is in good condition.
- Ride and walk where it is safe to do so.
- Ensure you are properly protected with access to a security panic device like an app on your phone that you can activate if needed.
Finally, use you head, be smart:
- Respect traffic law enforcement, they are there to ensure your and other road users’ safety.
- Enjoy your drive and arrive safely at your destination.
NOW READ: Diesel drops but petrol disappoints


