Road safety priority over Easter holiday weekend

LEADING up to the Easter weekend, SAPS will be out in force to ensure safety and security of people on and off the road.

The SAPS will adopt a zero tolerance approach when it comes to drinking and driving and drinking in public, and will intensify roadblocks and vehicle check points on all roads leading into and out of the province during this critical period.

Road accidents and residential burglaries are a huge concern over this busy holiday weekend, and police will continue to focus on road carnage that is caused by speeding, unroadworthy vehicles and drivers by having roadblocks, random vehicle check points and blue light patrols to ensure road user safety.

Community members are urged to be on high alert when travelling or leaving their houses unattended as they travel towards various destinations.

Police urge all road users and motorists to be vigilant and to practice safety.

The following tips aim to enhance public awareness of road safety, focusing especially on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, and should be adhered to by all road users/motorists.

Crime prevention:

Tips for safety awareness in a vehicle:

• Ensure your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey

• Always lock your vehicle's doors and keep the windows closed

• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute

• Avoid stopping at remote places

• Park your vehicle in places that are well lit

• Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you

• Carjackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car

• Do not give strangers a lift

Safety awareness when parking/ driving your vehicle

• Make sure all doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car

• Valuable items like a laptop and camera should not be left in a vehicle, even if it is locked

• Always close your windows and lock all your doors when driving in the city centre

• Do not text and drive

• Do not drink and drive

• Do not leave your personal or valuable items in plain view in your vehicle

• Double check when you lock your vehicle - beware of remote jammers

• Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a locked or parked vehicle, even if it is in the shade

Road safety: aggressive driving behaviour The following hints are applicable:

• Do not react to provocation

• Stay away from erratic drivers

• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver

• Use your hooter sparingly

• Do not flash your headlights

• Do not make obscene gestures

• Do not change lanes without using your indicator

• Do not drive too close to the vehicle in front of you

• Do not block lanes