LIMPOPO - The annual holiday period is drawing to an end, which means scores of South Africans are heading back home.
While the festive spirit may be fading, authorities warn that road safety remains a serious concern.
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) acting executive manager Ntsiki Jolingana says they expect high traffic volumes as of Friday afternoon, peaking on Saturday and Sunday.
To date law enforcement officers have been deployed across the country, issuing nearly 170,000 fines and impounding thousands of unroadworthy vehicles, including public transport.
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Although it is still early to release final statistics, Jolinganas says there are ongoing challenges during the festive season, including drunk driving, speeding, and reckless behaviour.
She warns that the consequences of reckless driving go beyond statistics and that road crashes devastate families, leaving children without parents, and place immense pressure on healthcare services.
Jolinganas reiterate that one life lost on the road is one too many, and urge all road users to take responsibility and prioritise safety as traffic volumes remain high.