Easter Traffic Numbers Hike As Holidaymakers Head Home Before Schools Reopen
- High traffic volumes are expected on the country’s roads as motorists return home after the Easter weekend
- Traffic officers identified some of the national roads that are most likely to be congested, including the N4 and N3
- Authorities urged road users to drive safely and avoid speeding or using their cell phones while behind the wheel
Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced broadcast journalist who has worked predominantly in radio newsrooms for over 15 years. Chirwa has occupied numerous positions, including news journalist, editor and current affairs host, focusing mainly on Mpumalanga politics and business. You can reach Zingisa at zingisa.chirwa@briefly.co.za.
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Heavy traffic is expected to continue on Tuesday as many travellers return home before schools reopen on Wednesday.
High traffic volumes expected on national roads
The country’s roads on Monday were inundated with thousands of travellers returning home after the Easter weekend.
According to The Sowetan, traffic officials predicted that the N4 between Gauteng and Mpumalanga, the N3 between KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng and the N1 between Limpopo and Gauteng would be among the worst affected.
Officials identify major causes of accidents
Gauteng traffic officials who monitored the roads on Monday flagged the use of cell phones while on the road and negligent driving as some of the key causes of accidents.
Gauteng traffic police spokesperson Sello Maremane said officers would also watch out for jaywalking pedestrians and speeding drivers.
“Good behaviour on the road will always preserve life as road safety remains the responsibility of every road user.”
Traffic authorities plead for motorists to be cautious
According to SABC News, traffic authorities have urged those travelling to adhere to the rules of the road. They’ve asked motorists not to use badly lit or secluded roads.
South Africans reflect on anticipated road carnage
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Monday, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga reiterated that motorists must remain cautious on the roads. Chikunga explained that preliminary Easter weekend stats show that no significant drop in road fatalities can be anticipated.
Responding to the Minister, Thami Dlamini said:
“More visibility of traffic officials will assist on reducing lawlessness on motorists. But I upload the initiative this Easter weekend it's was bit intensified, keep up the good work.”
MissCandy flagged illicitly obtained licences as a problem:
“Did you know people are selling driver's licences on Facebook?”
4x4biker added:
“Word wakker, gebeur elke dag."
Sibonelo Mvelase emphasised that drunk driving is the problem:
“The last time I checked, it was alcohol.”
Scelo Kalashnikov believes automated vehicles could reduce road accidents:
“Mmmm... someone said in the future there will be a need for self driving cars or cars driven by robots, cos humans can't drive, they make so many ‘human errors’ on the road.”
ANC and EFF leadership visit ZCC for Easter sermon
Briefly News previously reported that the leaders of the ANC and EFF joined the St Engenas congregation over the Easter weekend.
Cyril Ramaphosa was joined by Minister of Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. Meanwhile, Julius Malema attended the service alongside his wife and EFF MP Vuyani Pambo.
The visit to the Zion Christian Church was seen by many South Africans as an attempt to win votes ahead of the 29 May 2024 General Election.
Source: Briefly News
