There has been a notable increase in the number of reported cases of criminals placing spikes or objects on public roads with the intention of robbing them, especially in and around Pretoria.
Here are a few safety tips to help reduce your risks of driving into road spikes:
Avoid driving over anything on the road, including plastic bags.
When passing under a bridge, change lanes just before you pass.
Reduce your speed to increase your chances of seeing obstacles on the road.
Concrete lintels are being used as well. If you cannot avoid them any other way, slow down and carefully drive over them.
If the circumstances allow, travel straddling two lanes, as it may help you miss spikes being placed in the lane.
If there is another vehicle present, drive six seconds or more behind so their driving can alert you if anything is amiss.
If you spot an obstacle before you reach it, move into the emergency lane or onto the grass if that section of the highway allows for it.