Madam – I’m feeling sad, so very, very sad.
Years ago when I got my driving licence, it was a badge of pride and I used to enjoy driving around the cities, towns and countryside, here in South Africa.
But things have changed and motorists in South Africa have developed such bad driving habits.
Yes, I know people will say it’s due to a quicker pace of life, more cars on roads that are not correctly maintained and technology distractions.
The following 10 reasons for most accidents are said to be:
1. Tailgating, driving too close to the car in front. What became of safe following distances?
2. Drivers cutting in and reducing the gap between you and the vehicle ahead; the gap that you created for safety.
3. Talking on the cellphone and steering with only one hand.
4. Fatigue, drivers driving when they should be at home sleeping.
5. Drivers turning around to talk to passengers in the back or to yell at the kids.
6. Driving much below the applicable speed limit (crawling actually).
7. Trucks attempting to overtake other vehicles when their speed is too low.
8. Drivers scrounging for things in the backseat.
9. Drivers not letting you in and preventing you from moving/joining lanes.
10. Drivers pushing into a parking when another driver already indicated the intention to park and was waiting their turn.
In the last week alone, I’ve seen so many drivers simply disobeying the basic rules of the road; when I take Victoria Road past the Newcastle Inn on my way home, it seems that nobody is stopping at the stop signs.
This includes the older people and all races.
Drivers just seem to stop wherever they would like.
Indicators – what indicators?
I don’t think motorists now days even know what indicators are.
And I don’t understand why millions of Rand is spent on road markings as everyone seems to use the wrong lane.
Speed of course is a major issue and has caused the deaths of too many South Africans and don’t let me get me started on drink driving.
I’ve lost family due to other people drinking and driving.
Please people, let us obey the rules or the road and get back to being courteous to other road users.
