Motorists urged to prepare adequately for festive season travel

With 14 days left before the start of the festive season peak travel period in South Africa, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on freight and public transport operators to ensure their drivers are fit and healthy to be on the road.

“This is also an opportune time for all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with relevant legislation. Vehicle licence discs must be renewed and defects such as cracked windows, worn out wipers, smooth tyres and brakes must be fixed,” the RTMC said on Friday.

To renew without hassles, drivers can log on to online.natis.gov.za where they can opt for their discs to be delivered to their doorstep.

“Tyre bursts and slippery wet surfaces account for 2.5% and 2.4% respectively as contributory factors to fatal road collisions thus highlighting the importance of having properly functioning brakes and tyres in vehicles.

“With rainfall predicted on some of the traveling days, it is important to fit proper wipers and functioning lights to ensure visibility on the road. Drivers should opt to travel during the day instead of at night where possible, as visibility is drastically reduced when it’s dark,” the RTMC said.

Motorists are further advised to ensure they always carry a valid driving licence card. Driving without a valid driving licence card is an infringement and is punishable by law.

Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the extended operational hours to renew their driving licences at Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs).

RTMC DLTCs centres are open seven days a week between 7am – 9pm.

“With chronic lifestyle diseases reportedly on the increase, it is pivotal for freight and public transport operators to ensure that their drivers are allowed to undergo medical tests and those on treatment receive their medication before embarking on long distance travel.

“Drivers of private vehicles are also urged to ensure that they are in a fit and healthy state before embarking on long distance travel. Drivers must have sufficient sleep before travel and have access to fresh water during trips to avoid dehydration,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za