Efforts combined to assist motorists driving on roads covered with snow
Earlier today there have been several reports of vehicle accidents where vehicles slipped across the snow. Many roads have been closed by snow – and a joint efforts has been launched to assist motorists.
A National Joint Operations Committee has been activated to deal with any eventuality on the country’s roads, following heavy snowfalls and rain across large parts of the country which has resulted in the closure of several roads.
Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has urged road users, particularly those who intend travelling between Johannesburg and Durban, to postpone their trips until the snow subsides and weather conditions improve. “Over the past 24 hours extremely heavy snowfalls and rain have been experienced across large parts of the country, resulting in the closure of various roads,” Mr. Ndebele said. “A National Joint Operations Committee has been activated.”
The committee includes representatives from the National Disaster Management Centre of the Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs, Provincial Disaster Management, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and N3TC.
“Since yesterday (25 July), Emergency Services personnel have been working around the clock to ensure that the affected roads and road users are safe. We are urging road users, particularly those who intend travelling between Johannesburg and Durban, to postpone their trips until the snow subsides and weather conditions improve. Every effort is being made to ensure safe roads and to provide an efficient road maintenance and public safety service to road users.
“We are calling upon all motorists to stay alert, slow down and stay in control. Drive with your headlamps on at all times and adjust your driving habits to the prevailing weather conditions. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to avoid situations where you may have to brake suddenly on a slippery surface,” said Minister Ndebele.
Road users may call 083 343 9565 or 071 680 3448 (all hours) for any information on road closures, alternative routes, weather patterns, emergencies and tips on driving in adverse conditions. The N3TC Route Control Centre may also be reached on 0800 63 4357 regarding the N3 between Cedara and Heidelberg.
For Safety on the Road in the Snow, also view:
- Driving in Winter/ Driving on snow and ice
- Avoid accident claims when driving in winter, on snow and ice.
