Avoiding frayed nerves and frustration

Avoiding frayed nerves and frustration

With load shedding and non-functioning traffic lights becoming a daily occurrence on South Africa’s roads, Tiger Wheel & Tyre wants to get drivers to take responsibility for their own road safety. It suggests employing defensive driving techniques.

Joe du Plooy, group marketing executive, gives some basic pointers: “Anticipation is the most important element. If you see someone driving recklessly, let them pass and keep your distance, because the chances are good that they will cause an accident.

“Assume that others won’t indicate and keep a safe following distance to compensate for this. Be alert at intersections. Even if the light is green for you, that’s no guarantee that another driver won’t skip the red light.”

Knowing who is to the front, rear, left and right of you is essential; checking mirrors, adjusting your speed to create space around you, and trying to anticipate other drivers’ next move will increase your awareness.

Often, with gridlocked traffic, drivers tend to get impatient. “Nerves will be frayed and people frustrated by their inability to get where they’re going on time,” the company says. It’s advisable to take a deep breath and pay extra attention so you don’t miss your turn to pass the intersection, or get sideswiped by someone going out of turn.

Checking load shedding schedules will help you select the best route, or get an idea of the time it will take you to complete your journey.

In addition, it’s also advisable to ensure that your car’s tyres have sufficient tread and are properly inflated, the brakes are working properly and the car is running well.

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Focus on Transport

FOCUS on Transport and Logistics is the oldest and most respected transport and logistics publication in southern Africa.
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