The holidays are over and the rising traffic is proof of this.
With that said, Fairland police are pleading with those on the road going to work and taking children to school to drive in a way that doesn’t cause accidents or road rage. Sergeant Michael Kgatla said, “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 but if you can remain in your car, lock all the doors and call the police.”
He added that those caught up in such incidents should record as many details of the other driver and their car as possible and if things continue to remain violent and aggressive 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 horn sparingly, even a polite honk 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, intersections and 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.
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