LOADSHEDDING has shed the light on a national pandemic, reckless driving. It is unfortunately not limited to just a certain group of road users, but drivers across the spectrum.
Many drivers in South Africa treat road regulations as mere suggestions rather than rules to drive by.
“Most drivers automatically assume only taxi drivers break the law and admittedly, they are often culprits. Yet, they are not the only ones at fault,” said Eugene Herbert, managing director of MasterDrive.
Not coming to a complete stop when traffic lights are out of order or at stop signs, distracted driving whilst texting, not giving way to pedestrians are but a few of the rules that many motorists disobey daily.
When a traffic light is out of order, it should be treated as a four-way stop, first to stop first to go!
“All drivers need to reassess their own driving and question how many times they are guilty of disobeying a road rule, no matter how small.
“South Africa has a culture of drivers who believe they can break the law because other drivers do and get away with it.”
Instead South African drivers should play their role in developing safer roads.
Part of the reason road fatalities are much lower in many first world countries is that drivers take the law seriously.
It is time for South African drivers to start creating their own culture of safe driving.
(Issued: MasterDrive)
- UD Express readers are requested to send an e-mail telling us where in Uitenhage and Despatch areas, road users mostly disobey road laws. Send the e-mail to: udexpress@media24.com with the words “Reckless Road Users” in the subject line. If possible also attach photos as evidence.
