Advice on how to drive safe during load-shedding

South Africans have experienced power outages and load-shedding in the recent months and it seems that this predicament will last longer than expected.

Load-shedding has a direct negative impact on the lives of people, especially on motorists. Arrive Alive has provided some advice on how road users can protect themselves from the risks posed by load-shedding.

What is load-shedding?

When there is not enough electricity available to meet the demand from all Eskom’s customers, it could be necessary to interrupt supply to certain areas. This is called load-shedding.

Impact of load-shedding on road safety

• There is not much that the average person can do about power failures affecting traffic lights and traffic flow. The correct driving attitude can, however, go a long way in preventing collisions or reducing the severity thereof.
• It is suggested, where possible, that drivers plan their routes and leave early to try and avoid the heavy traffic periods – this may also reduce the urge to rush.
• Many people are impatient because they are late due to the above-mentioned conditions and may take unnecessary risks – motorists are advised to be extra cautious at faulty traffic lights.
• Many other motorists are also stuck/delayed and may be using their cell phones and possibly not concentrating fully on the road. Make sure other vehicles are stationary before you pull away from the four-way stop.

Traffic lights / intersections

Most of the frustration on the road is caused by delays when traffic lights are out. There are a few basic tips to follow that will protect the road user and avoid frustrations:

• If traffic lights are out of order, not working etc. the crossing becomes a stop street. This means that you have to follow the rules of the road for a four-way stop
• Even if there is no traffic from the other roads, you still need to stop.
• If the vehicle in front of you crosses the intersection, you would have to allow the vehicles from the other stops to enter the crossing before you can move. This means that you might have to wait for three other vehicles from three  different directions to pass
• Be polite and pass swiftly whilst still cautious of possible offenders
• Be alert to the sequence of vehicles from other directions approaching the intersection

Inadequate street lighting

• Power outages could remove important road safety features such as street lighting
• This makes it extremely difficult for motorists to spot road hazards such as potholes, debris and even pedestrians on the road surface.
• Good advice would be to slow down and thus increase the time to evade these possible dangers!

Safety from criminal elements

• Motorists must be attentive to the dangers of criminals lurking in the dark.
• During load shedding, it is possible that hijackers and smash-and-grab criminals might see an opportunity for themselves. Be attentive and raise your levels of awareness.

General info and advice

• Ensure that your cell phone is always fully charged when power is available
• Ensure that your vehicle (car, bakkie, motorcycle, etc.) always has fuel in the tank since during power outages, petrol stations cannot pump fuel
• Keep temporary lighting readily available, e.g. torches, candles, etc.
• Be sure to locate these items in places where they will be easy to find in the dark
• Try to acquaint yourselves with schedules for load-shedding
• There is nothing you can do to turn on the electricity. Accept this and do not vent your frustrations on the roads. Load shedding need not contribute towards road rage.

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