Exercise caution when driving as the number of runners, cyclists and walkers increases
JOBURG – The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert said that adjusting your speed is especially important when sharing the road with people exercising.
Going to the gym is still prohibited in South Africa and this means that more people will be going out for walks and runs throughout the day.
This increase in the number of runners, walkers or cyclists also means that drivers should take extra caution on the roads.
The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, said the first step is to increase your awareness. “Expect the roads, particularly in suburbs, to be busier, especially during peak times in the mornings and afternoons. Keep in mind that people that do not normally exercise outdoors may not be as road savvy as pedestrians who walk to work every day. Give them extra space, at least two metres, to account for mistakes and reduce your speed when passing for both safety and courtesy reasons.”
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Herbert added, “Remember that the rules of the road also give pedestrians right of way in all scenarios. Thus, you are obligated to give runners or walkers the right of way whenever it is safe to do so. Be wary of pedestrians who are determined to take their right of way no matter what, and who may not necessarily be aware of the danger this involves, for example, if a vehicle is speeding up behind you.”
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Adjusting your speed is especially important when sharing the road with people exercising. “As mentioned, it gives both yourself and the road user time to react if something goes wrong. It is also important, however, to slow down if you cannot give them a wide berth and wait until you can pass with a gap between yourselves.”
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He warned, “Speed needs to be adjusted to the conditions, especially at this time of year. You are likely driving into a glare at some point which could completely conceal a runner or walker. If you are driving in these conditions and on a road where you know people often exercise, slow down irrespective of whether you see someone or not.”
Everyone has the right to use the road safely. “Let’s not add to the pressure hospitals could be under due to Covid-19 and make an effort to safely share the road with those using it for exercise,” concluded Herbert.
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