Safety tips for stranded motorists
If you're planning on travelling long distance, take a look at these safety tips on how to stay safe.
Violence and crime on South African roads are out of control.
If you’re planning on taking on the long road this coming long weekend, take a look at these safety tips.
André Snyman from Eblockwatch has provided some tips on what to do in situations where motorists may be in danger, and also urges people to join the national community panic service Street Talker.
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“Eblockwatch has members in all communities and on farms whom we mobilise to help our members in dangerous situations. If you are an eblockwatch member and have registered on Street Talker, you would have all our support and advice at a push of a button,” Snyman says.
He has the following tips on what to do in a dangerous situation next to the road:
- Split up if possible. Be sure to stand approximately 50 meters away from each other. This makes it harder for someone to attack, especially if all parties are on the phone for assistance.
- All stranded parties should try to get a hold of different friends or family members to inform them of the situation.
- Always share your live location with your friends and family on WhatsApp in possibly dangerous situations.
- If someone stops to assist you, be sure to keep your phone to your ear to tell whomever you are on the phone with about the situation.
- If someone stops to assist you, be sure to give an accurate description of the person, car, number plate, age, approximate size and anything else to the person you are speaking with on the phone.
Snyman urges people to get involved with Eblockwatch and to register as soon as possible.
Follow these three steps to register with Street Talker:
According to Lyttelton police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller, road user safety starts with making sure your car is in a roadworthy condition, especially when travelling long distances.
He has the following tips:
- Make sure your spare tyres and tyre changing tools are available and in working order.
- Always call for help when running low on petrol, alternatively call police at 10111.
- If it’s late, try to stop your car in a well-lit area in order to take away the element of darkness away from criminals.
- Always remain vigilant, never let your guard down.
- Always have a good torch available in your car in case of emergencies.
- Have emergency numbers stored on your phone, and also written on paper in your car.
- Avoid stopping next to the road for as long as you can.
- Always remember that many insurance companies offer roadside assistance. Always keep their details on your phone.
- Emergency vehicles patrol all SANRAL roads, including highways, always have their emergency number stored on your phone. Call the Sanral emergency number at 0800-487-233.
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