Other Drivers

BEWARE OF OTHER DRIVERS

It is always important to remember that the road belongs to everyone, and that the motorist has to beware of other motorists on the road. Together with darkness and rainy conditions, other road-users may be regarded as one of the commonest hazards. Learn to recognize potentially dangerous drivers and keep well clear of them. No matter how severely you may be provoked, keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate - it may result in anything from a collision to a shooting-match.

The AA urges motorists to be especially wary when driving near any of the following:

Any vehicle in which the driver's range of vision is limited - such as a fully-laden pick-up with no side mirror.
Any vehicle that is dirty, rusty, missing parts or with a badly smoking exhaust - it is probably in poor overall mechanical condition.
A truck with a badly-packed or unsecured load, or a car with a bulky load on the roof rack - the load, or part of it, may come adrift.
A car containing active children and pets - the driver may be accident-prone or habitually careless.
A car with stickers on the windows, piles of luggage, a large number of passengers or hanging clothes - the driver's vision is probably obscured.
A vehicle with a driver who does not appear to be giving his full attention to the road.
A driver who obstructs and does not let you pass - slow down and let him get far ahead.
A vehicle that "wanders" about the road - it could be faulty steering or suspension, or the driver may be drunk or sleepy.

There are times of the day, and of the week, when accidents occur more frequently:

Between dusk and dawn.
During morning and evening peak periods.
At "closing time" for bars, hotels and clubs.
In the afternoon when children come out of schools.
After large public gatherings, such as rugby matches or race meetings.
Late in the week and at weekends when the use of alcohol increases.
On public holidays and weekends when many motorists are paying more attention to sightseeing than to proper driving.

Advice provided by the Automobile Association(AA)

Tell A Friend

Crime as a Threat to Road Safety in South Africa

South Africans live in a country blessed with beauty and diversity. We share a country with a colourful history, having overcome rather significant and unique challenges. However proudly South African, we may be, we have to admit that we face serious challenges to safety daily in our homes, places

Toll Roads in South Africa

Why have toll roads? Roads form the main artery of economic competitiveness, growth and social development. Building roads costs billions of rands. Toll roads assist us in meeting the demands of social services, which are important for the growth of our country. Toll roads accelerate the availability

Who is Accisure

A proudly South African organisation, launched in 2017 with a mission to address the critical need for individuals to access the best medical care following injuries sustained at work or during daily commutes. Their aim is to provide a holistic membership experience, swiftly connecting commuters to

E-Hailing Taxi Services and Road Safety

Introduction Technology and smartphone apps have changed the way most of us gain access to taxi services. The E-Hailing taxi services industry has become a major role player in public transport. Even though it is very convenient, mostly well-regulated and safe, the E-Hailing taxi industry has also

Guide to Bus Passenger Safety

Introduction to Safety for Passengers There have been horrific and alarming bus crashes across the globe. Studies have however revealed that the transportation of school children is safest in buses and in fact significantly safer than transporting school children in minibuses, vans or other passenger

The Bus Industry in South Africa and Road Safety

Background info on South African Bus Industry The bus industry in South Africa has for many years made a vital contribution to the economic and social development of the country. As a provider of bus services it has and continues to provide mobility to millions of people who are dependent on public