Don’t get revved up by road rage
Road rage is nothing new to motorists and most have either been in an incident or have seen the after-effects of a collision
POLOKWANE –Â This is something bikers are all too familiar with, says Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club President, Sarel Nong.
“It is sad to say, but road rage is something that happens too often to be ignored. I have been involved in incidents like these and it is something that should never happen, but because people are not tolerant of one another, it happens and sometimes turns violent,” says Nong.
Possible contributing factors to road rage include:
• Motorists running late
• Concealment provided by a closed vehicle
• Disregard for other motorists and the law
• Traffic jams caused by road construction with no work going on
• Stress related circumstances
• Poor levels of traffic law enforcement
According to Nong, bikers can take safety precautions that may help them on the road.
“Increase your visibility, wear brightly coloured gear and ride with your high-beam on. Ride defensively. Increase the safety zone around you and keep it that way. Increase and maintain a reaction safe following distance. Know that some motorists are probably not ‘Thinking Bike’, so you must ‘Think Car,'” Nong advises.
He says bikers should not react to road rage brought on by other motorists as this could prevent accidents. He warns bikers not to tailgate or block the lane and to use their indicators.
“Bikers should leave their competitiveness for the track. Bikers, just like motorists should adhere to the rules of the road and respect one another on the road. Please look out for one another and be safe.”
