Fairland police are warning motorist to not get involved in road rage incidents.
This after a motorist landed up in hospital following an alleged road rage incident in a shopping centre parking lot in Blackheath.
Spokesperson Sergeant Michael Kgatla said, “On 1 June, we arrested a suspect for attempt murder after he repeatedly drove his car into another motorist in a parking lot. The victim did need medical assistance after the incident and is recovering in hospital while the suspect was in court on 3 June and denied bail.
“Stay away from road rage as it could cost you your life as you never know what people are capable of. Rather avoid any confrontation and violence.”
He suggested that those caught up in such incidents should record as many details of the other motorist and their car, and if the situation continued to remain dangerous, to drive to the nearest police station. The station provided additional tips to help with road rage incidents:
Tips for drivers:
- Be a courteous driver – you can set a good example which can help make our roads safer
- Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver and do not make obscene gestures
- Use your hooter sparingly, even a polite hoot can be misinterpreted
- Do not block lanes (passing, emergency, and fast lanes) or tailgate other drivers
- Do not react to provocation
- Do not change lanes without using your indicator.
Aggressive driving behaviour which could lead to road rage, may be triggered by:
- Driving too close to the vehicle in front
- Passing vehicles on the left
- Cutting in and out of traffic and failing to signal while engaging in multiple lane changes\
- Crossing safety markings while merging onto ramps
- Failing to yield at ramps and intersections
- Violating railroad crossings
- Displaying or using a weapon
- Displaying aggressive or obscene gestures
- Slow moving traffic in fast lanes
- Flashing your headlights at the vehicle in front of you.
