The Expert will be specific knowledgeable people at the Department of Transport, Arrive Alive Communications, the Road Traffic Management Corporation or others who might have the expertise to answer the question.
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I think Carel has a pretty good idea of what the situation is.
Technically, you are legally allowed to cross the dividing line to overtake, provided:
• you would not be crossing a solid white line to do so, and
• the oncoming lanes are clear of traffic for a long enough distance to allow you to overtake safely;
• you have a clear view of the road ahead and you can in fact see that it is safe to overtake.
As Carel says, if there is a vehicle approaching in the far lane on your right (the left lane for approaching traffic), and the middle lane is clear, there is still the possibility that the driver of the approaching vehicle may decide to change lanes to his right in preparation for passing a slower vehicle in the left lane for the oncoming driver. So that could suddenly make it unsafe for you to cross the diving line in order to overtake. And, you may overtake only if it is legal and also if it is safe to do so.
An interesting question!
Any claims on the regional roads or "R" roads will have to be taken up with the municipality in the area where the damge has taken place.
Your son has to carry the original documentation with at times when he is driving. I suggest that you make representation to public prosecutor.
See the definition of an emergency response vehicle in section 1 – you must apply to the province to be registered for response and they have a list of criteria you must comply with.
A very interesting question, because I think that not a lot of people without the experience and knowledge will know the answer.
All permanent 4x4 vehicles, such as the land Rover Defender 110, Land Cruiser SUV’s and a few other models have a central differential as well, to compensate for the possible “wind-up” that would have occurred between the front and rear axels if there was no centre differential, as part of the gearbox. With the central diff-lock engaged you will have a 50/50 distribution of power to your axels, but in an “axel-twist situation it is still possible that your 4x4 will stand still, should one wheel each on the two axels (on either sides of the vehicle, i.e. left front and right rear), lose traction and will simply spin, with the opposite wheel on each axel standing dead still. Now this is where traction control will come in handy! The vehicle will detect when traction is lost and will use the ABS Braking system to brake the spinning wheel and in the process transfer power to the wheel on the opposite side of the axel that has good traction. That is why some of the traction control systems on the market is noisy, because of the ABS doing its thing to get you through obstacles and in particular, axel-twisters.
A 4x4 driver that is competent and have good throttle control, with a vehicle fitted with traction control, can drive almost the same places as 4x4 drivers with vehicles fitted with front and rear differential locks! Inexperienced drivers sometimes “tap –off” the throttle when they feel or hear that there is a little bit of wheel spin, where the computer need to pick up the wheel spin, in order to activate the traction control. So good throttle control is essential for the traction control to work optimal.
To answer your question, no, a vehicle with only a centre diff-lock will not be able to drive the same terrain as one with traction control as well. You will need a lot more momentum to get the vehicle through obstacles, which might result into lots of wheel spin, which is bad for the environment and is a huge contributor towards erosion.
Hope that answer your question.
Regards
Andre Botha (4x4 Overland Tour Guide & Assessor GP 3431)
Just 4x4 Adventures
A PrDP is required (in addition to the ones listed) for all goods vehicles with a gvm above 3 500kg and even lone passengers who are travelling for reward.
This is unfortunately something to be taken up with the local Department of Roads / Public Works. We will pass this along to the National Traffic Call Centre.
Best advice is to contact a lawyer. You could contact Michael De Broglio at www.accidentclaim.co.za
Green lights are restricted to civil protection.
As the registered owner of vehicle you are liable for all fines incurred. What you can do is to provide the authority that issued you with the fine the details of driver, full names, id number and address. They will in turn send out a new summons to the driver.
