Holiday traffic time again - be safe

Independent Newspapers

File photo: Sizwe Ndingane

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It feels like yesterday that everyone was embarking on their December vacation road trips, and now it's time for the national routes to clog up again as Easter comes early and many people appear to be including Thursday's Human Rights Day in their holiday plans.

The Automobile Association (AA) has warned of high traffic volumes to popular holiday destinations, especially those on the coast.

Motorists can expect both the N3 and N4 to carry heavy traffic volumes starting from the afternoon of Wednesday, 20 March. Traffic on both routes is expected to be busy until at least midday Thursday, 21 March. The N1 and N2 to and from Cape Town are also expected to carry high volumes of traffic.

The AA expects the N1 to Polokwane to be one of the busiest routes ahead of Easter, starting from Wednesday 27 March, as ZCC members head to Moria for their annual pilgrimage.

It is important to keep in mind that the Gauteng government schools break up on Wednesday, 20 March and return on Tuesday, 9 April.

This is going to make the routes even busier than normal and the return dates of Monday, 1 April and Sunday, 7 April are expected to see massive traffic volumes. Coastal provinces start their holidays a week later but return on the 8th April.

As always, it's important to remind ourselves that a few simple steps can make for a safe journey.

- Adjust your speed for the prevailing road or weather conditions

- Make it a rule that everyone in your car wears their seatbelt

- Have a rest break every 200km or two hours

-Provide snacks and entertainment to keep the kids occupied and prevent driver distraction

-Stay sober and ignore your cellphone!

-If possible, leave a day earlier to avoid the rush