RTMC issues spring road safety warning to motorists – LNN – Network News
As South Africa moves into spring, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged road users to prepare for a season that can bring rapidly changing weather, reduced visibility and challenging driving conditions, reports Springs Advertiser.
RTMC stated that spring in South Africa is more than a transition from winter to warmer weather. According to RTMC, it can bring sudden thunderstorms, heavy downpours, strong winds, hail, lightning, mist and rapidly changing road conditions.
In many areas, early mornings can remain cold and misty while afternoons become hot and stormy.
The agency said that the first rains can also make roads particularly hazardous as water, dust, oil and other residues combine on the road surface.
As a general guide, road safety authorities advise motorists to reduce speed, increase following distances, use headlights, and avoid flooded areas.
“The situation is made more risky because of mass events and concerts that are held in this season. These events encourage travel and are normally associated with night-time driving and alcohol consumption – behaviour that leads to road crashes and fatalities.
“The risk is magnified by the presence of pedestrians who already account for almost half of South Africa’s road deaths,” said RTMC.
RTMC indicated that spring weather can change within minutes. A sunny journey can quickly become a drive through torrential rain or a thunderstorm.
Heavy rain can obscure road markings, reduce tyre grip, and create standing water. Strong winds can affect high-sided vehicles, while hail can damage windscreens and temporarily obscure visibility.
RTMC noted that motorists should also be prepared for sun glare, particularly during early mornings and late afternoons, as well as mist in elevated areas and around the early morning and evening periods.
The agency shared that the first substantial rains after dry conditions can be especially deceptive: a road may look merely damp yet offer considerably less grip than expected.
Drivers should therefore adjust their speed and driving behaviour to the conditions rather than simply to the posted speed limit.
RTMC said that heavy vehicles require additional stopping distance and can be particularly vulnerable to strong winds, standing water and slippery roads.
RTMC explained that the safety of learners must receive particular attention during spring.
“Scholar transport operators should ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, properly maintained and appropriately licensed, and that every learner is properly seated and restrained where required.”
The agency shared that schools should ensure that scholar patrol arrangements are properly supervised and operated at registered crossings.
RTMC added that scholar patrol members must not enter the roadway to stop traffic, and that adult supervision is essential.
“Motorists approaching schools must obey scholar patrol stop signs and remain alert for children who may behave unpredictably.”
The agency noted that road safety cannot be left to traffic authorities or emergency services alone. RTMC said that every journey involves a shared responsibility between motorists, truck drivers, pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, schools and transport operators.
RTMC added that although South Africa is making progress in reducing crashes and fatalities, recent road-safety reporting continues to show that pedestrian deaths remain an enormous concern.
The agency said that the message this spring is simple: slow down, stay visible, expect the unexpected and respect every road user.
“A few extra minutes on a journey are never more important than a human life.”
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