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Typical taxi behaviour filmed in Gauteng: Top tips for changing lanes in SA

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<i>Image: Twitter</i>
<i>Image: Twitter</i>

Cape Town - Changing lanes should be simple movement from one lane to another, sadly, this is not often the case on SA's roads.

Inconsiderate driving 

Recklessly changing lanes is not only a source of much frustration on the road it can be a threat to the safety of all road users, as a taxi in Gauteng demonstrates.

Unsafe and inconsiderate lane changes are bad and inconsiderate driving. It can be dangerous, a road rage trigger in some drivers, leads to arguments and cars fighting for the same space.

Here are tips for safe, responsible driving when sharing multiple lanes:

Road users should be patient with other drivers, particularly those who drive at slower than average speeds.
Share roads with kindness and courtesy to other road users.
In South Africa, the left lane is designed to be the primary driving lane. The right lane is intended to be used by motorists to safely pass other vehicles that are travelling at a slower speed than they are.
Be mindful of those around you and observe the different speeds of the cars in the other lanes.
Road users should not drive in the right lane for an extended period of time or long distance for any reason.
All drivers should surrender the right lane to approaching emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles always have the right of way.
It is never safe to weave in and out of traffic by continuously changing lanes. You are more likely to cause a collision, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.
Watch out for drivers not changing lanes properly – they endanger you and themselves.
Drive defensively and with anticipation.
Remain vigilant, focusing on driving and only driving when changing lanes, especially in dense traffic.
If your car has lane departure warning/assistance systems – switch them on!
Remember to take the necessary time when changing lanes and never change lanes too hastily. Plan ahead!
If you have a SatNav/ GPS device there is even less of an excuse for not planning early enough as the map will show junctions and roundabouts coming up that you may not be able to see yet.

Click here to read the original article. 

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