During last year’s festive season, millions of South Africans and almost one million tourists took to our roads en route to holiday destinations across the country.
The numbers are expected to increase this year, and those holidaymakers will encounter hundreds of trucks along the way. With this in mind, these handy tips on safely and politely navigating South African roads alongside the big haulers – using several unwritten rules – will come in handy.
“Always remember that these are unwritten rules of the road and not legal requirements; however, they may help road users safely navigate what are arguably some of the most dangerous driving conditions in the world,” comments Ryan Gaines, CEO of City Logistics – a leading privately owned logistics company in South Africa. “They are not applied consistently across the country by all truck drivers. They can, however, be used by tourists and drivers to understand better the road behaviour that they may encounter.”
Hazard lights:
Vehicle lights are used to communicate with other road users all over the world. South Africans are particularly fond of this, but these signals can be a complete mystery for foreigners.In South Africa, for instance, when a truck moves over to provide space for you to overtake, the polite – and expected – response is to turn on the hazard lights to thank the truck driver. The truck driver will then flash their headlights to communicate that “you’re welcome”.
Indicators and brake lights:
If the truck can’t move over, the driver will use the indicator to signal to the vehicle behind that the road ahead is clear for an overtaking manoeuvre. However, if the oncoming lane is not safe for overtaking, the truck driver will usually tap on the brakes multiple times to inform the driver behind that it’s safer and more sensible to stay put.
Headlights:
It is important to remember that flashing headlights can mean different things in different situations. If you are travelling too slowly and under the speed limit in the fast lane, for example, drivers approaching at speed from behind may flash their lights to remind you to move over into the slow lane.If motorists or truck drivers travelling in the opposite direction flash their lights at you, however, they are most likely trying to warn you to reduce your speed and be alert and cautious, as there may be an obstruction in the road ahead, such as an accident or traffic stop.
“Drivers are cautioned to stay alert on the roads this festive season; although these road etiquettes can be considered unwritten rules, they may aid in added safety during arguably one of the busiest periods on South Africa’s roads, says Gaines.
