The dangers of distractions on the road
JOBURG – It is considered against the law in some countries to perform certain acts while driving.
In countries such as the United Kingdom it is illegal to eat while driving and motorists can be fined. South Africa does not have any laws that govern motorist in terms of eating while driving.
Last month the Federal Traffic Council in Dubai proposed that eating, drinking, applying make-up, taking a selfie and smoking while driving, is considered a traffic violation resulting in an equivalent to a R4 316 fine.
JMPD Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said that in South Africa it is considered littering when you throw small objects out of a moving vehicle. These include items such as sweet and chips packets and cigarettes.
“Throwing objects such as cigarettes out the window can possibly endanger other motorists if it flew into their windows. There have been instances where vehicles have caught alight mysteriously under strange circumstances. Especially if there is access to fuel or a leaking pipe,” said Supt Minnaar.
Dialdirect spokesperson Bianca de Beer said that while most of us can avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or checking our phones until we’ve reached our destination, one of the acts she describes as very dangerous is when motorists engage in eating and drinking while driving.
“This one dangerous habit that many are guilty of, is often overlooked as a distraction but a snack can be more distracting than a conversation with the passenger next to you,” said De Beer.
Minnaar said that although eating while driving is not against the law in our country, he does not recommend motorists to engage in it. He also stressed that motorists should not be tempted to throw rubbish out of the window. “A motorist can be fined for littering while on the road if they are seen by a Metro Police officer. They can be fined up to R500.”
