Limpopo Transport department cautions drivers to rest

The Limpopo Department of Transport has cautioned drivers against driving long distances without taking breaks during the Easter period.

Thousands of travellers entered the province heading to Moria City near Polokwane for the Zion Christian Church celebrations.

On Friday, Transport MEC Violet Mathye held a media briefing at the Kranskop Toll Plaza alongside the Putco bus company.

The Limpopo Transport Department said while they are saddened by the loss of lives on its roads, it is working on strategies to prevent further loss of life.

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It said traffic officers can be found every 10 kilometres along highways, to ensure compliance.

Transport head of department Stephen Matjena said drivers should also be responsible and ensure they are fit to drive.

“What I want to really call upon is that these drivers must be able to rest, allow constant rest on the road because fatigue is the problem. Fatigue is a silent killer - it’s not something you want your drivers to experience.”

Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said the company has made special plans for the long weekend to allow drivers to rest.

“We have collaborated with the petrol stations along the route to say that can we please use those stations as compulsory stops for our drivers, and this speaks to the fatigue because the biggest thing contributing towards some of the road accidents is the human behaviour.”

Xulu added the company has made additional drivers available to take over from those who want to rest, to ensure the trips are not delayed.