South Africans are notoriously bad drivers, just ask any foreign visitor who has seen us speed along quiet suburban roads, or watched us slow down a little, before charging through a stop street.
We are all guilty of it, and for the most part we manage to get away without causing an accident or hurting someone.
However, there are a few things we should all be trying a little harder to do right so that our roads are a safer place. According to Arrive Alive, in 2015 there were 12 944 reported road fatalities, a 2% increase over 2014. In 2016 that number rose further to 14 071 deaths.
Cellphones
I mean seriously? I see you, other road users see you and, quite frankly, you should know better. If you end up killing me because you were busy typing ‘lol’ to one of your friends’ silly cat memes, I swear I will come back and haunt you.
Following distance
It is really quite simple, you need to stay at least two car lengths behind me on roads in town and three or more car lengths when on the highway. If you are right on my bum while driving, then you will be involved in any accident I might be involved in – without fail.
Assumptions
People are crazy, unpredictable and sometimes just irresponsible.
Never assume you know what another driver is going to do because the surprise might not be a pleasant one.
Always drive defensively: watch what other drivers are doing and know what you are going to do if they end up making a stupid turn, etc.
Be predictable
By the same token, don’t be that crazy guy on the road, don’t make sudden stops or lane changes.
You know the rules (I hope), you understand who has right of way.
Please make it easier for the rest of us to drive around you by not driving like a person devoid of responsibility.
No, you are not king of the road – you are not even a minor royal official of the road – you are just another road user and you have the responsibility to avoid endangering the rest of us.
Indicators
This is one of those little things that really revs my engine.
The indicators on your vehicle were not put there as Christmas lights! They are there so I will have some notion of what you are planning on doing with the large piece of metal you are piloting around the roads, and in good time too.
What good exactly does it do for you to indicate two meters before you start your turn?
Multitasking
Multitasking is a word that should never, ever be applicable to a person’s driving.
Stay off your phone, adjust your mirrors when you aren’t moving and – for the love of life – if you drop something leave it down there, don’t try reaching down for it while you are driving!
This applies to eating as well. You’re going to look really silly in the morgue with a half-eaten burger crammed down your throat when it causes an accident.
Lights
When it rains, even when it is just a drizzle, turn on your lights (particularly you lot with grey or silver cars – do you realise you are invisible without your lights on?)
It’s not that hard, when you start seeing everyone else turning on their lights you follow suite.
It is not just about how well you can see, it is about how well you can be seen by other road users.
Share the Road
Remember that you are not the only driver on the road.
An important safety trip that everyone needs to follow is the need to share the road with others graciously, recognizing that all drivers deserve to be treated with respect.
Of course, I could go on at length and there are plenty of other rules to rant and rave about – from seat belts to drunk driving – but these are just a few of the simpler things we should all be working on.
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