They indicated that the roads are not user-friendly, with an increase in the number of accidents, especially on the R26 road between Fouriesburg and Ficksburg.

They explained that weather conditions form part of the safety hazards, as the forecast high rainfall decreases visibility. They further indicated that they expect traffic to be congested as people will be travelling over the Easter weekend. This will lead to some motorists being impatient and increase the risk of casualties.

Molotsi Sithole is a taxi driver from Qwaqwa in the Eastern Free State, who indicated that he is not thrilled with having a lot of bookings over this weekend because commuting on the R26 can damage tyres and trigger other mechanical faults, which increases costs incurred in their business and decreases profitability. This is additional to extra kilometres travelled to avoid the R26, which also increases costs.

“That road is not good at all, we end up using the Bethlehem road because we have to make sure that everyone is safe. When traveling on that road we have to be more focused. That road has too many potholes, and it shows that they will not be maintaining it anytime soon because it has been that way for a long time.”

Also read: Transport minister expected to launch road safety campaign in Bfn

The Festive Season Road Safety Awareness Campaign is a government programme that aims to prioritise and promote safer road usage during the high peak season on South African roads.

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi