These are the tips the Springs, Crystal Park and Benoni police stations and Springs CPF chairperson Barend van Heerden are giving to the people walking and driving on the N12:
• If you have a breakdown on the N12, call 10111 and the police will come and wait with you as there are police patrolling the route.
• Before setting off, make sure you have enough petrol, and check your tyres including your spare wheel.
• Also call your local CPF or your insurance company in the event of an emergency.
• Make sure all your emergency contact numbers such as family, insurance and local police are saved on your phone.
• Make sure someone knows where you are at all times including the routes you’re taking.
• Make sure your phone is charged, has airtime and data so you can do all of the above.
• Avoid picking up hitchhikers.
Also read: Man shot while fleeing from suspects on N12
• If you are hitch-hiking, stand in a public place like a garage where there are many people around. Avoid hitch-hiking by yourself or with young children in tow and in the early morning hours or after sunset.
• Insist that your taxi drops you off at a designated taxi or bus stop, not in the middle of nowhere.
• Avoid shortcuts that go through the veld.
• Always stay alert.
• Avoid unnecessary distractions such as loud music or talking on the phone while driving.
• If someone is coming to pick you up, make sure they know what time to expect you and your exact location.
• Beware of vehicles that appear to be following you.
• Avoid stopping your vehicle when you see something suspicious on the road.
• Avoid walking alone; rather walk as a group.
• When walking, wear visible clothing and avoid walking after sunset.
Also read: Attempted rape and armed robbery on N12 Etwatwa Highway
• Avoid having your valuables on display whether you are driving or walking.
• When you need to stop for whatever reason, try to do so in built-up areas, especially at night.
• If you have a flat tyre, keep on driving and reduce your speed to 20km per hour with your hazard lights on and stop at the nearest garage. Rather ruin your rims than lose your life.
• If you have a firearm, keep it strapped to your body and make sure you can fire it quickly if you need it. Go to refresher courses if you need to brush up on your skills.
• Only have a bathroom break at a garage, not on the side of the road.
• If something does happen to you on the N12, report it to your nearest police station so the police are aware.
Springs Police Station: 011 365 5700
Benoni Police Station: 011 747 0000
Crystal Park Police Station: 011 969 4880.
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