The NARSA Calls for Increased Vigilance and the Postponement of Non-Essential Travel
The National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) urged all road users on Saturday to exercise the utmost caution and to postpone non-essential travel, following a weather alert issued by the General Directorate of Meteorology predicting heavy rains, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms, snowfalls, and strong winds across several provinces of the Kingdom.
In a statement, the Agency calls on drivers of passenger vehicles and freight transport to heighten their vigilance and to pay close attention to weather reports in order to plan their journeys accordingly.
Emphasizing that these adverse weather conditions coincide with the start of the school holidays and significantly increase the risk of traffic accidents, NARSA urges all road users to strictly adhere to the Highway Code and traffic safety standards. This includes regular mechanical maintenance and rigorous technical inspections of their vehicles (tires, brake systems, shock absorbers, windshield wipers, and lights, among others).
The Agency also warns about the dangers of fatigue while driving, which can lead to loss of concentration, increased collision risks, and slower reflexes in emergency situations. It stresses the importance of sufficient rest before getting behind the wheel.
The statement further highlights the importance of reducing speed and adjusting it to road conditions and weather, while scrupulously following traffic rules—especially around curves, slopes, and on rough or winding roads. Additionally, it underscores the necessity of preventing skidding by driving cautiously on wet, snowy, or icy roads, avoiding speeding, and using, where necessary, appropriate and equipped tires.
NARSA also calls for heightened vigilance when driving at night or in low visibility conditions due to fog, ensuring proper use of headlights and avoiding blinding other drivers. It advises extreme caution when crossing bridges, ensuring they are not submerged by water, and complying with road signage as well as instructions from relevant authorities.
The Agency emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, both in urban settings and elsewhere, particularly on national roads and highways, to prevent sudden collisions. It calls for caution during overtaking, which should only be done when visibility is clear and conditions are safe.
Additionally, the Agency urges drivers to avoid traveling in tight convoys, to respect parking regulations and stop signs, and to steer clear of abrupt maneuvers or changes in direction, while paying special attention to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and motorcyclists and cyclists.
Finally, NARSA encourages all citizens to positively engage with these preventive tips and recommendations, reminding everyone that adherence to the Highway Code is a collective responsibility that contributes to protecting human lives and reducing traffic accidents.
