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Safety tips for driving during riots and protest action

The golden rule is personal safety first!

July 8, 2018
South Coast Herald 2 minutes read
Photo by Pixabay

On South African roads we sadly experience, not only threats from irresponsible and bad drivers but also threats to life and property from criminals targeting road users.

Nearly every day we are warned of or hear about a protest action on a road somewhere, a hijack or a cash-in-transit robbery.The Arrive Alive website shares safety advice and offer suggestions on how to drive in areas of civil unrest, riots and protest action.YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: How trauma on the road is affecting truck and bus drivers

What is road crime?

  • Criminals targeting private property: Cash-in-transit robberies, hijackings, vehicle theft, theft from vehicles, smash-and-grab.
  • Criminals targeting public property and infrastructure: Damaging roads, vandalism of traffic signs and traffic lights, Theft of Manhole Covers and Road Barriers,
  • Usage of vehicles in committing criminal acts: Reckless and illegal driving activities such as hit-and-run, road rage and making obscene gesturesCriminals  also placing rocks and other structures on the road surface or throwing rocks from bridges onto vehicles with the intent of causing a road crash to rob crash victims of their possessions.
    Photo Arrive Alive

Personal safety is first priority when reporting crime!

  • The golden rule is personal safety first!
  • You firstly need to consider your own safety – if this includes avoiding confrontation that will be the way to go!
  • Our instinct is often to help the victim(s) in question – Yet, one should not get involved especially when criminals are armed.
  • Do not try to be a hero e.g. crashing into the car of the culprit or trying to make a private arrest as this may endanger your life. No heroic gesture is worth your own life.
  • Furthermore, the witness won’t be any help to anyone should he/she sustain an injury.
  • Pay attention to the road ahead, leaving enough distance between yourself and the position of the incident to ensure safety from explosive material, broken glass or leaked fuel resulting from a cash-in-transit heist or bombing.
  • A witness should never draw attention to themselves or antagonise the suspects by hooting, hollering, or be seen to be taking images/videos of the incident.
  • If you are followed, consider forwarding a moving locator, if your phone is equipped with this app, to a friend or family member.
  • If you are not driving, you may consider making an audio recording of what you see on your phone if it could be done inconspicuously. You may raise the threat to your safety if you are observed recording the crime.

 

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July 8, 2018
South Coast Herald 2 minutes read

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Sugan Naidoo

Senior reporter Sugan Naidoo is a true son of the South Coast soil. He was to the newspaper industry born, his late father working at the South Coast Herald back in the days when black and white photographs were still being used. Sugan has been with Caxton for close to three decades, having started as a weekend photographer, straight out of school. He soon showed his skill in hard news reporting and has, over the years, added to his repertoire, with motoring now one of his important beats. He is always willing to go the extra mile, especially if it's to test drive a new vehicle. He supports the Proteas, Springboks and Manchester United.
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