Eastern Cape: The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on motorists to take extra caution when driving on the roads as icy cold weather conditions have gripped the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned of widespread rain with disruptive snow over escarpments of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the RTMC advises travellers in affected areas to delay their trips until the situation improves. Travel routes are also affected, with the N2 from Ingeli towards Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal being closed due to snow. The R58 Barkley East and West towards Barkley Pass was also closed due to snow.
Heavy rains with strong winds were reported in Umzimkhulu and Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, which could lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas. Motorists are advised to switch their headlights on to increase their visibility.
Motorists should heed the following road safety precautions when driving on the road: Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists. Keep your lights and windshield clean. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Drivers should be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently travelled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, motorists might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges. Furthermore, motorists are advised not to pass snow ploughs and sanding trucks, as the drivers have limited visibility, and the road in front of them is likely to be worse than the road behind. It is important not to assume that your vehicle can handle all conditions; even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.