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10 Common Driving Mistakes South African Motorists Make

vuyi on March 30, 2023

We all know that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a big no-no and as such cannot be categorized as a mistake.

Drunk driving plays a huge factor in road fatalities annually but there are other causes of accidents and fender benders.  Here are just 10 of the most common bad driving practises which can be seen on our roads almost daily.

1. Speeding

Driving at a speed that is unsafe for the current road, weather and lighting conditions can make it difficult, if not impossible to control your vehicle effectively.  Bringing a speeding vehicle to a stop or trying to avoid an obstacle on the road can have fatal consequences as you may lose control completely.  Speed limits are designed to keep drivers safe and it is dangerous to exceed them. Regardless of your environment, aim to drive at a pace which allows you to safely manoeuver your vehicle through curves, down a hill or in the rain.

2. Unsafe Lane Changes

Executing a safe lane change involves quite a few essential steps such as checking your mirrors and blind spot, adjusting your speed, turning on your indicators, finding a safe gap then merging smoothly into the lane.  It is important to remember to look out for cyclists and bikers as these motorists are incredibly vulnerable in an accident.

3. Distracted Driving

Three things are critical for safe driving being: your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind on the task at hand.  Driving distracted negates these essentials, putting all road users at risk.  Multi-tasking is not something motorists should attempt to do because of the ever changing environment of the road and general traffic.  Anything can and most likely will happen without notice and you need to be ready to react immediately – something you may not be able to do if you are texting, eating or your eyes are on the radio controls.

4. Not Maintaining A Safe Following Distance

Many motorists drive distracted resulting in their following the vehicle ahead of them too closely.  The best way to ensure you have a safe cushion of space between your car and the one ahead is to wait for the leading vehicle to pass a fixed point on the road, then start counting to three.  Should you pass the same point before reaching the count of three then you are most likely following too closely.  As a general rule of thumb always increase your following distance at night, when driving behind a truck, in bad weather or when driving behind a motorcycle or cyclist.

5. Driving Too Slowly

This may surprise a few but driving too slowly for the current traffic conditions can be dangerous.  Driving too slowly forces other drivers to either slow down or attempt to pass you and the more often cars pass each other, the greater the chances of there being a collision.

6. Failing To Read/Understand Road Signs

Road signs are there to give motorists information relating to the road or traffic conditions.  It is important not to ignore them as you could find yourself driving too fast into a curve or blasting through a stop sign.

7. Drifting Between Lanes

Failure to stay in your lane is a definite way of annoying other motorists or causing an accident.  In many instances drifting between lanes is due to driving distracted but can also be thanks to poorly marked roads or unskilled driving practises.  With the exception of changing lanes always aim to steer your vehicle within your chosen lane.

8. Driving An Unroadworthy Vehicle

Sadly, driving a less than mechanically sound vehicle is common practise on our roads which leads to avoidable road accidents.  Ranging from worn brakes, faulty indicators and tail lights, to cracked windscreens, dim headlights and damaged wiper blades, driving a vehicle which isn’t in tip-top condition puts you and other road users at risk.  When you think about it, the cost of changing certain car parts is far less than the cost of repairs to a car so it’s worth getting your vehicle regularly by a professional.

9. Poor Evasive Skills

Being attentive on the road is a highly underrated driving skill, but one which could save your life.  Should a toddler dash onto the road in front of you, or if a parcel falls off the truck in front you, you need to be ready to take evasive action.  Attentive driving includes being aware of your surroundings and knowing where the open spaces are that you can escape to.

10. Driving While Drowsy

Similar to driving under the influence, there is no excuse for driving while drowsy.  A safe drive includes being alert, attentive and in control of your vehicle, all of which you cannot do if driving while drowsy.  Make sure you get sufficient rest before getting behind the wheel as tiredness can be fatal.

Skills Every New Driver Should Have

vuyi on October 29, 2020

Apart from basic driving skills, there are other important skills each new driver should possess. Learn them now and they will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life.

1. Finding the correct driving position

Adjusting your car seat is about more than just getting comfortable; it is also about ensuring good visibility, improving safety, and aiding in the execution of driving manoeuvres.

The first thing to do is to sit up straight and press your shoulders against the backrest of the seat. Bend your legs slightly bent at the knees, by pressing all the way down on the clutch and brake pedals. Then move your seat forward or backward until the required position is achieved.

Now rest your wrists on top of the steering wheel with your hands hanging down the back. If your shoulders are no longer touching the backrest, it has to be adjusted to a more upright position. Once this is done you should place your hands in either the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position on the steering wheel. Your arms should be bent at roughly 45 degrees. Adjust the steering wheel so that you have a clear view of the instrument panel.

2. Knowing the basics of your vehicle

This goes much further than simply knowing whether your vehicle has a petrol or diesel engine, or is fitted with a manual or automatic transmission.

To start with, you should know where the bonnet and fuel flap releases are, and you should know the correct tyre inflation pressure of the vehicle. This information can be found in the owner’s manual or on the inside panel of the driver’s door. Also, check where the spare wheel and jack are located.

It is important to know what safety features your vehicle is fitted with. Does it have airbags and, if so, how many, and where are they located? Does the vehicle have an anti-lock braking system (ABS)? 

Over time you will get to know your vehicle, and as you become more familiar with it, you will gain more confidence driving it. 

3. Driving defensively

Defensive driving is, essentially, the ability to identify potentially dangerous situations and react to them in a timely manner. It’s about being proactive and anticipating what could go wrong before it does.

Defensive driving requires the driver to be focused and aware of what is happening around them at all times.  Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Check your mirrors and blind spots regularly and scan the road ahead. Be aware of what is beside you. Don’t assume a vehicle will come to a standstill at a stop sign or traffic light, or that the pedestrian about to run across the road sees you approaching. 

Remember it is just as important to be seen as it is to see, so stay out of the blind spots of other vehicles and maintain a safe following distance. Importantly, don’t distract yourself by using electronic devices while driving, or doing any other activity such as eating or applying make-up, while you are behind the wheel. 

When overtaking, check if the road markings allow for this. If there is no solid white line preventing overtaking, check for oncoming traffic before signaling your intent to pass and overtake. Keep your indicator on, until you have passed, and then indicate your intention to move in front of the vehicle you have passed. Do not overtake on a blind rise, or if you cannot see far enough ahead to make a proper judgment of timing. Remember, your life is more important than reaching your destination five minutes early.

4. Driving in adverse weather conditions

Sooner or later you will have no choice but to drive in less than perfect weather. These can include anything from floods and strong winds, to thick mist, all of which require a higher level of driving skill.

The most important thing is to remain alert and calm and to be on the lookout for potential hazards. Visibility is key, so increase your following distance, reduce your speed, and switch on your headlights. Staying focused on the road ahead will require all your attention so eliminate distractions such as loud music. 

In this type of weather, you don’t want to realize for the first time that your windscreen wipers (front and back) are not working properly. Check these regularly and remember that even if you don’t use them, they may become worn because of the sun. 

5. Knowing the rules of the road

Although traffic signs and their meanings are extensively covered in the test for a learner driving license, there are many motorists who don’t seem to know what some of the signs mean, or who don’t know the rules of the road.

Who has right of way at a four-way stop or a traffic circle? What do you do when the traffic lights are out of order? Must you stop at a yield sign and a pedestrian crossing? These are all basic, but important questions, which you should know. 

6. Honing your soft skills

How you behave while driving is just as important as correctly operating your vehicle. It’s all about having the correct attitude and exercising self-discipline.

You share the road with other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians, and your wants and needs do not take precedence over theirs. Be courteous and considerate of other road users.  Remain calm, no matter how rushed you are, and rather arrive late than not at all.

Don’t give in to road rage. Listen to soothing music or practice relaxation techniques if you feel your temper flaring. 

Driving requires your full attention so keep your hands off your mobile phone and the volume of the radio down. Being distracted and losing concentration could have terrible consequences, so remain focused on the road.

In conclusion, the more time you spend driving the better you will become at it.  There is no substitute for experience but through practice, the right attitude, and a calm demeanor, you will learn the skills to be a good, safe driver.

Sources: The AA, Arrive Alive

10 Tips for driving safely in the rain

vuyi on September 2, 2020

Driving safely in wet weather requires an adjustment in your driving style. Here are our top-ten tips for minimising the risk of having an accident.

  1. Slow down: You are more likely to have better control of your vehicle when you drive at a slower-than-usual pace.  Also, reducing your speed gives you time to react in the event of any eventuality such as another car losing control. 
  2. Avoid large pools of water: When possible, avoid driving through large bodies of water as they could be covering potholes. Rather, opt to drive slowly at the shallowest part of the water (edge of the puddle) reduce your speed and drive cautiously.  
  3. Allow for extra travelling time: Plan ahead, be patient and prepare to arrive at your destination later than usual. Chances are that there will be a lot of slow moving traffic along your route. 
  4. Brake sooner and with less pressure: Gently braking reduces the chance of your tyres skidding while braking sooner allows for a longer stopping distance thereby minimising your chances of rear ending the vehicle ahead of yours.  
  5. Increase your following distance: The more space you have between your car and the one you are following the safer you are.  Keeping a safe following distance is good practice even when driving in good weather. 
  6. Demist your windows and windscreen, using your demister function and not a piece of cloth, your sleeve or tissue! Switch on the air con as this will help clear the fog quickly.
  7. Turn on your headlights: This increases your visibility to other motorists but can be dangerous if you use your high beams.  Switching your headlights to ‘bright’ could blind other motorists as the extra light is likely to bounce off the water droplets, causing a distraction to on coming traffic.   
  8. Give trucks a wide berth: As a general rule, always pass large vehicles as quickly as possible. In wet weather though, the spray from their tyres can make it extremely difficult to see which is why passing them as soon as possible or only when absolutely necessary is imperative. 
  9. Don’t cross running water: Not only could the water be deeper than you think but it could be flowing faster than the eye can see.  Attempting to drive through flowing water could result in your car being swept away thereby endangering the lives of everyone in it.
  10. Pull over if visibility is low: If the downpour is so heavy that you can’t see ahead of you, pull over in a safe spot and wait it out.  Remember to turn on your emergency lights so you are more visible to other motorists. 

Drunk driving amendment misses the mark – AA

vuyi on August 27, 2020

The AA is proposing that the 0.05% limit be reduced to 0.02% which is in place in many countries.

Changing traffic laws relating to drink driving is meaningless and will be ineffective if current laws that regulate alcohol and driving are not properly implemented and enforced first. This is the view of the Automobile Association (AA) following the announcement tonight by Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula on the proposed changes to the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for drivers to be reduced to zero percent.

The Association says drinking and driving can be more effectively combated by reducing the allowable alcohol limits for drivers, and that the courts should impose tougher sentences on offenders. The current enforcement of drunk drivers will not stop those who regularly exceed the limits because there are simply no consequences for their actions. The AA says a zero BAC limit is not going to change this behaviour.

Reducing the blood alcohol limit to zero will not solve the problem of road deaths in South Africa if it is not supported by a thorough, scientific diagnosis of the problem of drink driving…

– Automobile association

Although South Africa’s current Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% is not out of line with world standards, the crisis on South Africa’s roads demands a tougher approach. The AA is proposing that the 0.05% limit be reduced to 0.02% which is in place in many countries.

The AA notes that the proposed move to reduce the legal limit to zero does not take into consideration the fact that some medications such as cough syrups may contain alcohol. In these cases drivers may find themselves with criminal records for taking one dose of this medication when it will have no material effect on their driving ability.

“Reducing the blood alcohol limit to zero will not solve the problem of road deaths in South Africa if it is not supported by a thorough, scientific diagnosis of the problem of drink driving with proper statistics which back such a move. Behavioural change is needed to solve this problem and that requires proper enforcement of existing laws, and more intensive education of the dangers of drunk driving, both of which do not currently occur,” says the AA.

It is our view that people who drink and drive will not alter their behaviour because there are no consequences…

– AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

The AA says current analyses of drunk driving in South Africa are fragmented and disparate, with no conclusive findings besides those which call for greater research on the matter, a move the AA supports.

“But we cannot have a situation where the government is guessing to what extent alcohol is a contributor of road deaths with no actual plan to deal with the road safety crisis in South Africa as a whole other than to amend the law. This approach amounts to dealing with the issue of drunk driving without first addressing the issue of current enforcement and lack of education,” says the Association.

“It is our view that people who drink and drive will not alter their behaviour because there are no consequences so they’re willing to take that gamble of being caught. Ensuring proper law enforcement should be the first step before amending laws. If law enforcement doesn’t change how it operates now, how will changing the law make a difference?” asks the AA.

Pedestrian safety remains a huge concern but little is being to deal with this problem

– AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

The AA says apart from these concerns, the overall safety of roads in South Africa should enjoy priority before amendments such as these are made.

“Pedestrian safety remains a huge concern but little is being to deal with this problem. Road safety requires a total approach which deals with vehicle safety, pedestrian safety, and more education on road safety,” the AA says.

The AA says it stands by its support of the wide-ranging proposals by the Traffic Law Enforcement Review Committee last year to improve traffic law enforcement in the country. It says implementing these recommendations and not focusing on one element of road safety such as drunk driving is needed to deal more effectively with the country’s annual road fatalities which it says amount to a national disaster every year.

“There are practical, workable plans on the table to improve traffic law enforcement which were compiled by experts and traffic officers themselves. Yet there are those who seem intent on focusing on one aspect of road safety – drunk driving – as a panacea for road fatalities. It is, in effect, putting a band aid on a gaping wound with the hope that it will stop the flow of blood. It won’t,” concludes the AA.

The Golden Decree For Navigating A Traffic Circle

vuyi on July 14, 2020

There are 2 types of circular intersections in South Africa: traffic circles and mini-circles. This article only refers to traffic circles.

Traffic circles are sometimes referred to as roundabouts and are designed to allow traffic to flow easily and quickly. That being said there is a lot of confusion about how to navigate safely around them, but once you know and understand the rules that govern traffic circles, you’ll breeze happily through them. 

  • To turn left (taking the first exit / 9 o’clock):
    1. Use the extreme left-hand lane when approaching the circle. 
    2. Signal to the left and turn left when safe to do so.
  • To continue straight (taking the second exit / 12 o’clock)
    • Select the left hand lane (unless road signs indicate otherwise) as you approach the circle.
    • Enter the circle when it is safe to do so.
    • Pass the first exit and immediately signal left to indicate that you will be leaving the circle at the next exit.
  • To turn right (take the third exit / 3 o’clock):
    • Select the right hand lane (unless otherwise instructed by a road sign) as you approach the circle.
    • Enter the circle when safe to do so and travel around it.
    • Signal to the left only after you have passed the second exit.
    • Make sure there isn’t another vehicle entering the circle to your left (usually at the second exit) as you point your car towards your desired exit.