Take caution on the following highways this Heritage weekend

The Gauteng Traffic Police urges drivers to be cautious ahead of the Heritage Day weekend as some main highways are already experiencing congestion.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY WEEKEND CONGESTS MAJOR ROADS

Many motorists and those going on holiday are expected to travel to various destinations due to the Heritage Day weekend.

Some will be spending time with their families and friends during this period, said Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson Sello Maremane.

“Major roads exiting and leading to the Gauteng province are expected to be heavily congested, starting from Friday, 23 September and again on Sunday 25 September.”

Sello Maremane

LOOK OUT FOR THE FOLLOWING HIGHWAYS AND ROUTES

• The N3 from Johannesburg to Durban
• The N12 from Johannesburg to Potchefstroom
• The N1 from Pretoria to Polokwane
• The N4 from Pretoria to Rustenburg
• The N4 from Pretoria to Mpumalanga

“We urge all categories of road users, namely, drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to remain vigilant at all times when using our roads during this period,” said Maremane.

 The Gauteng Traffic Police will be on high alert during this period and motorists should expect a series of road safety operations, said Maremane.

Maremane says this is in order to save the lives of road users.

“[This] will lead a series of road safety activations and operations in various crime hotspots as part of the road safety programme. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Sello Maremane.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Truck driver burnt to death, four injured in HORRIFIC N4 accident

TIPS FOR ROAD USERS

Before embarking on any trip, motorists should conduct a pre-trip inspection of their vehicle. This is to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy.

Drivers are urged to adhere to the road rules and regulations at all times.

“Passengers must refuse to travel in any vehicle which is visibly unroadworthy,” Maremane said.

Motorcyclists must refrain from overtaking any vehicle where it might be potentially dangerous to do so.

“Pedestrians must never use our roads while intoxicated and they should wear visible clothing at night as they remain vulnerable especially on our freeways.”

Motorists should also watch out for those who put spikes on the roads with the intention of robbing them.

ALSO READ: 10 of the 19 children killed in N2 accident went to the same school