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Cape Town - Motorists should learn to identify drunk and dangerous drivers who are increasingly becoming major threats on SA's roads, the Automobile Association said on Monday.
"It is important for road users to be constantly aware of the environment around them all the time while they are driving," spokesman Gary Ronald said in a statement.
"They should learn to spot dangerous drivers and keep clear of them. No matter how severely you may be provoked, resist the temptation to retaliate, which may result in anything from a collision to a shooting match."
Transport month
As part of transport month and to curb road fatalities, especially ahead of the festive season holidays, Ronald urged motorists to be especially wary when driving near any of the following:
* Any vehicle in which the driver's range of vision is limited, like a fully-laden truck with no side mirror.
* A vehicle that "wanders" about the road. This could be due to faulty steering, suspension or the driver may be drunk or sleepy.
* Any vehicle that is dirty, rusty, missing parts or with a badly smoking exhaust. It is probably in poor overall mechanical condition.
* A truck with a badly-packed or unsecured load, or a car with a bulky load on the roof rack. The load, or part of it, may come adrift.
* A car containing active children and pets. The driver may not be concentrating on the road.
* A vehicle with a driver who does not appear to be giving his full attention to the road.
"Remember, if you cannot see the mirrors of the vehicle in front of you, that driver can't see you," said Ronald.
Road accidents cost the economy an estimated R116 billion in 2009.
"It is important for road users to be constantly aware of the environment around them all the time while they are driving," spokesman Gary Ronald said in a statement.
"They should learn to spot dangerous drivers and keep clear of them. No matter how severely you may be provoked, resist the temptation to retaliate, which may result in anything from a collision to a shooting match."
Transport month
As part of transport month and to curb road fatalities, especially ahead of the festive season holidays, Ronald urged motorists to be especially wary when driving near any of the following:
* Any vehicle in which the driver's range of vision is limited, like a fully-laden truck with no side mirror.
* A vehicle that "wanders" about the road. This could be due to faulty steering, suspension or the driver may be drunk or sleepy.
* Any vehicle that is dirty, rusty, missing parts or with a badly smoking exhaust. It is probably in poor overall mechanical condition.
* A truck with a badly-packed or unsecured load, or a car with a bulky load on the roof rack. The load, or part of it, may come adrift.
* A car containing active children and pets. The driver may not be concentrating on the road.
* A vehicle with a driver who does not appear to be giving his full attention to the road.
"Remember, if you cannot see the mirrors of the vehicle in front of you, that driver can't see you," said Ronald.
Road accidents cost the economy an estimated R116 billion in 2009.
