Motorist avoids accident, drives into shop
After attempting to avoid a collision with a second vehicle Gloria Manyathela ended up driving into a furniture shop earlier today (Thursday).
POLOKWANE – “I was driving down Landdros Maré when the vehicle in front of me suddenly stopped. There was traffic on both sides of the road and to avoid hitting the stopped vehicle ahead of me I swung right, forcing my vehicle onto the pavement and into a furniture store situated at the corner of Landdros Maré and Jorrisen Street,” she explained.
Manyathela did not sustain any injuries and was immediately assisted by the store security and employees. She urges motorists to be aware of their surroundings while driving.
Arrive alive offers these top 10 tips on avoiding an accident:
1. Pull into traffic slowly. Stop, Look, Listen. Be aware of blind spots, including those in rear view mirrors and behind windshield pillars or highway road signs.
2. Watch for red light runners. Count to three before entering an intersection on a green light. Look both ways and be sure no one is trying to speed through a yellow light.
3. Keep at least one hand on the steering wheel. Reduce in-car distractions such as changing radio stations or CDs, cell phones, eating or momentarily taking a hand off the wheel.
4. Watch for kids. Children and animals have a habit of suddenly popping out from between parked cars and into roadways.
5. Perform engine maintenance regularly. Avoid sudden stalls or other vehicle failure by changing the oil regularly and keeping tires properly inflated.
6. Scan 12 seconds ahead. Always concentrate on the area where you will be driving in 10-12 seconds.
7. Look backwards when backing out. Fender benders in parking lots are all too common, so look out for cars leaving parking spaces.
8. Do not tailgate. Leave a three-second cushion between you and the car in front of you and begin your journey early enough so you don”t speed to make up time.
9. Be courteous to other drivers. No one owns the roads, so treat others with respect and report any suspicious driving activity to authorities.
10. Drive only when you have earned it. Have a valid driver’s licence.
