OVER the past few months there have been a number of accidents in Alberton and the surrounding areas, from bumper-bashings to head-on collisions.
Accidents have become a regular thing on roads like Swartkoppies, Michelle Avenue, the R59 highway, the N3 highway and Kliprivier Drive, to mention just a few.
Most of these accidents are caused either by drivers skipping red traffic lights, or not stopping and treating a non-working traffic light as a four-way stop.
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) cautions all drivers to be extra vigilant when approaching traffic lights. ”Anyone who is negligent enough to skip a red light has no regard for their and other road users’ safety and should face the full might of the law,” the AA said.
Here are some important things to bear in mind when at an intersection:
- Obey all traffic signals and signs.
- Be careful: Even if the traffic light is green and it is your turn to cross, check that the coast is clear and there are no oncoming vehicles.
- Do not take risks: If you realise that the traffic light will turn red by the time you reach the intersection, stop and wait for the light to change.
- When traffic lights are not working, remember that the first vehicle to arrive has priority – the intersection should be treated like a four-way stop.
- Keep at least a three-second following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Do not go over lane markings or change lanes when crossing an intersection.
- Always be aware of pedestrians at intersections – they have right of way and you need to stop for them to cross.
- Keep an eye out for taxis, as they frequently stop abruptly at intersections to offload passengers.
Besides compliance with the rules, driver etiquette is the first measure toward improving intersection safety. The intersection is no place for selfishness. Be prepared to be the safer driver by showing courtesy towards other drivers!
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