South African Department of Transport Urges Drivers to Exercise Caution Due to Heavy Rain and Hazardous Conditions Across Multiple Provinces

With weather forecasts predicting heavy rainfall across parts of South Africa, the Department of Transport is urging drivers to take extreme care on the roads.

Inclement weather is expected to continue, and authorities are reminding motorists to stay cautious as conditions worsen.

Inclement Weather Conditions Impacting Road Safety

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the hazardous driving conditions will persist until Friday, 10 January.

Strong winds, heavy rain, and poor visibility are expected in several provinces, making travel risky.

On Wednesday, 8 January, particularly dangerous conditions are forecasted for KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

Drivers are being strongly advised to avoid traveling between 18:00 and 01:00 in these regions, as conditions are expected to worsen during these hours.

Slippery roads and limited visibility could make it difficult for motorists to drive safely.

Affected Roads Across Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal

Several key roads in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal will be affected by the inclement weather.

In Limpopo, major routes such as the N1 and R101 from Limpopo to Gauteng, as well as the N11, R33, R40, and R71, are expected to be impacted.

 

Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal will also see disruptions along the N4, N12, N11, N17, N3, R40, and R33.

While no formal warnings have been issued for Thursday and Friday, strong thunderstorms are predicted to affect Mpumalanga and Limpopo early in the morning, especially around the R573 Moloto Road, which runs from Marble Hall to Pretoria.

This could make roads even more treacherous due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces.

Traffic Safety Advice for Motorists

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is calling on all drivers to follow crucial safety measures to protect themselves during these adverse conditions.

They recommend reducing speed, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and keeping headlights on to improve visibility.

Motorists are also advised to avoid making sudden maneuvers, such as sharp turns or abrupt braking, as they can lead to a loss of control on wet surfaces.

Pedestrians and cyclists are also at risk during these conditions, so drivers should remain extra cautious.

Stay Safe and Stay Informed

Staying up-to-date with the latest weather reports and traffic updates is essential for ensuring safe travel.

The Department of Transport is urging drivers to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Do you usually avoid driving late at night, especially during bad weather? Let us know by sharing your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Stay safe, and drive carefully!

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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