Driving in a city can be daunting, especially for those from the countryside who are used to quiet rural roads. Driving in the city means knowing how to deal with many pedestrians, cars, and even roadworks. You can mitigate the risk of having an accident in a city if you drive carefully according to the following safety tips.1,2
Look Out for Pedestrian Crossings
In cities, more people tend to be walking on the road, unlike in smaller towns and villages. Pedestrian accidents happen through failure to obey signals, such as drivers not yielding when approaching a pedestrian crossing. Be on the lookout for random pedestrians who suddenly decide to step off the sidewalk and start to jaywalk.1
Obey Traffic Lights
Traffic lights are there to protect everyone in the city. As a motorist, stop your car when you see the amber traffic light and avoid being an ‘amber gambler.’ Amber is there to warn you that the red light will soon appear. Unfortunately, in South Africa, many motorists continue to drive after the traffic light has turned red. For this reason, always be alert of such drivers before proceeding to drive after the green light appears for you. 1
Stick to Speed Limits
Traffic activity in city streets is dynamic and complicated. As a driver, you have to manage cyclists, pedestrians and even children suddenly crossing a street. Authorities have designed city speed limits to provide you with enough time to react to any unforeseen activity in the road. Besides, exceeding the speed limit is illegal, and you may compromise your car insurance claim in case of an accident. 1
Have You Buckled Up?
It’s a legal requirement in South Africa to wear a safety belt whenever you are in a moving vehicle. Manufacturers have designed safety belts to protect car occupants from serious injury. 1
Use Indicators and Lights
You must show other drivers your intentions by always using your car’s indicators. Always judge approaching cars that are indicating to go left or right. It may be that they have forgotten that the indicator is still switched on and may carry on driving straight. Switch on headlights immediately when visibility becomes difficult, such as in misty, rainy conditions. 1
Avoid Blind Spots
You may not be aware of a car overtaking you when it’s in your blind spot, but careful use of your side mirrors will help you with that issue. Checking your blind spots is crucial in a city, especially when changing lanes. 1
No Distractions
City traffic is so busy that you need to stay alert to everything in front of you and around you. Avoid distractions such as checking a message on your cell phone, opening a food packet, or daydreaming. 1
No Drinking and Driving
In the city, it can be tempting to leave a social gathering and drive away after a few drinks. South Africa has strict laws concerning driving under the influence of alcohol. The legal breath alcohol limit must be less than 0.24 mg in 1,000 ml of breath. The alcohol content in your blood must be less than 0.05 g per 100 ml of blood.1,2
Disclaimer
The article shows motorists some city driving safety tips they can follow. 1,2
Unfortunately, driving in a city increases the likelihood of an accident, and so you need to have adequate car insurance. If you require more information, tap into PMD’s world-class client service while we show you more about our affordable car insurance products. They have unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Contact a certified financial advisor for professional advice to buy a suitable financial services product.
Sources:
1https://www.morrislawyers.com/resources/post/item/road-safety-tips-for-city-drivers
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.