With weather forecasts predicting heavy rain across various parts of South Africa, the Department of Transport is urging motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads in the coming days.

Dangerous Weather Conditions

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has warned that inclement weather, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and reduced visibility, will continue to affect the country’s roads until Friday, 10 January.

These conditions are creating hazardous driving environments, and motorists should remain vigilant.

On Wednesday, 8 January, conditions are expected to worsen, with poor visibility and slippery roads predicted for KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.

What Motorists Should Know

The Department of Transport has strongly advised against driving between 18:00 and 01:00 in these provinces due to the dangerous weather conditions.

Limpopo Roads Affected:

N1 and R101 (Limpopo to Gauteng)
N11 (AllDay to Marble Hall)
R33 (Lephalala to Marble Hall)
R40 (Phalaborwa to Barberton)
R534 (Thohoyandou to Makhado)
R71 (Tzaneen to Polokwane)
R81 (Giyani to Polokwane)

Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Roads Affected:

N4, N12, N11, N17, N3, R40, and R33

Although no specific warnings have been issued for Thursday and Friday, strong thundershowers are expected to impact Mpumalanga and Limpopo, particularly early in the morning until around 10:00.

This will result in poor visibility and slippery roads, with specific caution needed on the R573 Moloto Road between Marble Hall and Pretoria.

Focus on Road Safety

The recent increase in road crashes and fatalities has raised concern, making it more important than ever for motorists to take responsibility for their safety.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has offered some vital tips for driving in these challenging conditions:

Reduce Speed: Wet roads can be slippery, so driving at a reduced speed is essential to maintaining control of your vehicle.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Give extra space between your vehicle and others to allow for longer stopping distances.
Use Headlights: Keep headlights on to improve visibility and ensure you’re seen by other drivers.
Avoid Sudden Maneuvers: Sharp turns and sudden braking can cause loss of control on slippery roads.
Be Aware of Pedestrians and Cyclists: They too may struggle with visibility and difficult road conditions.
Stay Informed: Regularly check weather updates and traffic reports to stay aware of changing conditions.

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

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