We as drivers get away with murder

While driving to work this morning, I actually realised something quite shocking – something that made me stop, get out and take a look at the back of my car … to see if my brake lights were working.

The reason? Within the space of 25 minutes, I had noticed four cars with non-functioning brake lights after at first not realising that the car in front of me had stopped because its brake lights did not indicate it.

This is extremely dangerous. Thank goodness we were travelling at low speed, but one can imagine something like this happening while driving on a highway.

Why is it that we as drivers get away with something like this? Is it because it’s such a drag to check your own brake lights as you need someone to help you? Or is it because there is no law enforcement regarding these basic safety requirements? I am really scratching my head about this.

An alternative is to try and communicate to the drivers at fault that they are putting their own lives and the lives of others at risk. But then again, South African drivers are so aggressive, you might start an argument in morning traffic that could trigger road rage.

So what do we do?

It’s quite simple. You need to regularly check your brake lights. Find someone to help you and make sure you replace non-functioning brake lights as soon as possible.

Think of it this way: when you get ready for a long trip, you always pre-check your car, so why not do the same when travelling in and around town? You dare not compromise your and others’ safety!

Please check your brakes after reading this … until next week, stay safe on the roads, Krugersdorp.