The South African public roads are an absolute death trap of catastrophic proportions! Not only are they riddled with treacherous potholes big enough to swallow a truck and missing metal anchors, thanks to those devious drug addicts, but they are also infested with wild, reckless drivers who speed like maniacs on a mission to obliterate anything in their path. It’s like being thrown into a real-life horror movie set in the apocalyptic world of Mad Max, except scarier and more nerve-wracking than you could ever imagine!

Have you noticed how every single on-ramp or off-ramp on a bustling freeway during rush hour seems to be perpetually gridlocked?

It’s like a chaotic symphony of honking horns and frustrated drivers all vying for a mere inch of space. Such is the sad state of affairs when it comes to the common sense deficiency that plagues our roads – a precious commodity that is as rare as a diamond wedding ring on a mermaid.

There are drivers on our freeways who are so obsessed with staying in the far right lane that they will go to extreme lengths to squeeze over to the left at the last minute, causing chaos for everyone trying to exit. It’s like a battle out there – even if you’re politely signalling your lane change, some crazies will do everything in their power to cut you off and create a traffic nightmare that they end up stuck in, too. It’s a real-life game of bumper cars out on the roads!

Similarly, the same reckless behaviour occurs on the on-ramp, where inconsiderate and dunderheaded drivers fail to make space for others merging onto the freeway. This not only creates unsafe conditions for those trying to enter the highway but also contributes to traffic congestion and delays.

I have been schooled in the ways of the wise, learning that only a true nincompoop would continue to repeat the same blunders while anticipating a miraculous outcome. Day after day, we waste our precious moments stuck in never-ending traffic jams, draining our wallets on gasoline due to our reckless driving habits. It seems as though we are doomed to remain in this cycle of absurdity indefinitely.

Emergency Vehicles

Disregarding emergency vehicles on the road is like playing a dangerous game of chicken with fate, risking not just your own life but unleashing a catastrophe that could shake the very foundation of economic productivity.

The casual dismissal of ambulances and police cars is akin to poking a sleeping dragon with a stick, tempting disaster to strike at any moment. It’s not just human error we’re talking about here – it’s a tale of epic proportions where the hindrance of emergency services can lead to dire consequences that echo throughout the land. Turning a blind eye to sirens and flashing lights is equivalent to spitting in the face of fate itself, jeopardising the very fabric of society by hindering the swift response required in life-or-death situations.

In 2022, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) reported a total of 10,466 traffic accidents in South Africa, resulting in an economic cost of R186.5 billion. This figure represents nearly 3.3% of the country’s GDP for the 2022 financial year. The financial impact encompasses various expenses such as lost productivity, cleanup operations, funeral costs, infrastructure damage, emergency services, and other claims related to accidents.

Over the period from January to December 2022, a total of 12,436 people lost their lives on South African roads, with 5,347 of these fatalities being pedestrians who were tragically killed by drivers exhibiting irresponsible behaviour.

Recklessness on our roads is on steroids

I will repeat, the reckless behaviour of these dimwits on our roads leads to a significant amount of money being spent to address the consequences of accidents.

South Africa tends to react to issues rather than proactively prevent them, resulting in substantial post-accident expenditures. The main issue lies with the competence and attitudes of drivers on the roads.

Many drivers lack a solid understanding of road regulations, raising questions about how they obtained their licenses. Certain areas, such as Johannesburg CBD and Fordsburg, operate without adherence to road rules. For instance, disregarding red traffic lights and stop signs is common, and traffic direction is often ignored.

I have personally witnessed instances where minibus taxis abruptly changed lanes on one-way roads without warning, even in the presence of law enforcement officers, who are colloquially referred to as “cooldrink collectors” ekasi.

Serious traffic offences often happen in front of the police, who tend to only react if there is an accident. Unfortunately, some police officers collude with tow truck drivers to make a quick profit from stranded motorists. However, during Easter, multi-disciplinary task teams do their best to reduce the number of deaths on the roads. This type of effort needs to be implemented throughout the year to combat the scourge of traffic fatalities.

Out of the R186 billion lost to the economy, a few billion should be invested in buying unmarked police vehicles equipped with speed-tracking technology and number plate recognition. This would significantly reduce the number of accidents since reckless drivers would not be able to distinguish between police cars and other vehicles on the road.

On-board and personnel cameras are also highly recommended to combat the so-called cooldrink phenomenon. In addition, undercover agents could help to prevent the issuance of false licenses in traffic departments.

Tips for navigating South African roads safely:

● Stay calm and don’t rely on the right-of-way rule in a lawless society.

● Be cautious on side roads where other drivers may not stop at stop signs.

● Be prepared to stop at green traffic lights.

● Practice tolerance and avoid rude gestures, even when provoked.

● Leave early to reduce road anxiety.

● Ensure both the driver and vehicle are roadworthy by taking regular breaks and maintenance checks.

● Follow traffic rules for your safety and that of others.

● Avoid travelling during peak periods and be wary of other drivers’ skills.

● Inspect your vehicle before every trip to prevent accidents.

● Promptly address any mechanical issues to avoid unexpected problems.

● Regularly check parts prone to metal fatigue and service your vehicle every 45,000 km at a reputable repair shop.

● Purchase parts and tyres from trusted suppliers.