As the rainy season continues and traffic intensifies ahead of the festive rush, South Africa’s roads are expected to become even more hazardous. Heavy downpours have already triggered flooding across several provinces in recent weeks, leaving roads damaged, visibility reduced and motorists vulnerable. Speaking toThe Citizen, tyre expert Dev Naidoo said rainy weather often pushes people to drive more cautiously, but not always as safely as they should.
Naidoo said drivers often underestimate how significantly weather changes road conditions and vehicle performance. “Cold weather affects tyre pressure and performance. Drivers may not realise that tyre pressure decreases with lower temperatures, which can cause tyres to wear unevenly or even blow out in extreme cases,” he said.
He warned that many motorists still do not adjust their driving in wet or icy conditions. “In rain or icy conditions, drivers often don’t adjust their driving speed to match road conditions, which can increase the likelihood of accidents, especially if their tyres aren’t suited for winter driving.” Naidoo added that the weather directly affects the grip between the tyre and the road. “We always encourage regular tyre checks, adjusting driving speed, and increasing following distances to stay safe in varying weather conditions.” With thousands of motorists expected to hit the road during the December holidays, Naidoo urged drivers to be extra vigilant.
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