Pedestrians, children, cyclists and trucks

A lot of the people who die on our roads were never in a car. Pedestrians make up a large share of road deaths in South Africa, often at night, close to taxi ranks, schools and busy main roads without sidewalks. Many people simply have no choice but to walk next to fast traffic. As drivers, we have to expect them, especially after dark.

Slow down near schools and in residential areas, expect people to cross where there is no crossing, and always stop for a scholar patrol. When you pass a cyclist, give them at least 1.5 metres and wait until it is safe to do so. A few seconds behind a bicycle will not ruin your day.

Inside the car, the driver is responsible for making sure every passenger wears a seatbelt where one is fitted (regulation 213). A child under three must ride in a proper child restraint, even on a short trip to the shops. It still upsets me every time I see a toddler standing between the front seats.

Trucks are a different challenge. They need far more room to stop and turn, and goods vehicles over 9,000 kg are limited to 80 km/h (regulation 293), so plan your overtake early and never cut in front of one. A good rule: if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.