Motorists in the Western Cape can make use of free vehicle fitness tests. Provincial Traffic Services are offering these free tests to motorists for the first time. This comes ahead of Easter as traffic volumes are expected to increase over the upcoming long weekend.
Ahead of the Easter school holiday
The Western Cape Mobility MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie says he would like to wish motorists a safe journey on the roads, ahead of Easter. He says as many people will be travelling on roads, he would remind people, to have their motor vehicles checked before taking on the long road.
He says, “This is critical to ensuring your safety on the road, as well as the safety of all other road users; so that you will all get to and from your destinations safely.”
Free vehicle fitness tests
The Department of Mobility has invited motorists to bring their vehicles to the Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell for a FREE vehicle fitness test between 1 and 5 April. The checks will include tyres, lights, brakes, suspension, CV joints, electrical, fuel supply system, exhaust, wipers, and licence discs. This will be open and free to all motorists.
Traffic volumes are expected to increase during the Easter holiday
MacKenzie added, “Following last year’s significant reduction in road fatalities during the Easter period, we sincerely hope this trend continues with as few accidents as possible. As part of the Easter road safety plans for this year, and for the first time, Western Cape Provincial Traffic Services will be providing vehicle fitness checks for free. It is up to each one of us, whether a driver, a passenger or a pedestrian, to be the change we want to see on the roads.”
Here is some advice from the department:
There are simple ways to make holiday drives safe apart from ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy before you hit the road. For a start, just make sure everyone is buckled up. That will massively reduce the chances of serious injury if something goes wrong.
If you rest after 200km or two hours, you drastically reduce fatigue. Everyone who has been involved in a crash after nodding off will tell you – it just takes a heartbeat with your eyes closed to lose a loved one or cause a life-changing accident.
Some more tips
Speeding is tempting on the long haul but can be deadly. You won’t go wrong if you follow the speed limits and keep an eye on the road markings. They’re there for a reason. Just take it slow. Can a couple of hours be worth a life?
READ MORE: Road safety and you
Most adults recognise that alcohol and drugs do not mix well with roads. Small rules can equal big changes. No one should be killed on our roads. Together, we can make that happen.
