Today, unfortunately, we hear of many protest actions, with some culminating in public riots. Should it ever happen that you suddenly find yourself in the eye of a riot storm while driving, then read on for those safety tips that could come in extremely handy.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
According to the AA, prevention is better than cure. Thus, should you hear of some unrest taking place or likely to occur, don’t go anywhere near those areas. Stay tuned in to social media, like the radio and cell phone, to monitor possible trouble spots. You can also phone local police stations in affected areas to obtain the latest information. On tolled, national highways, call centres are available that can provide up-to-date information on any protest action.
WHY AVOID DRIVING AT NIGHT?
Many of the public rioting events occur at night, and for this reason, avoid driving at that time. One motorist was recently travelling from Johannesburg to Pretoria at night, only to come upon a scene where some huge rocks were lying on the national highway under a bridge, and with two cars lying upside down. The issue is that motorists are ‘sitting ducks’ travelling at night. Potential rock throwers can see cars’ headlights coming from a long way, whilst remaining unseen. Travelling during the day allows you to scan bridges. Increased visibility during the day gives you a much longer time to react to dangerous situations.
HAVING DONE ALL, HOW DO YOU RESPOND IF CAUGHT IN A PUBLIC RIOT?
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), drivers need to stay alert all the time, when caught in a trouble spot. If necessary, calmly ensure any rioters that you are just trying to get through peacefully.
A SAPS ROADBLOCK IS LIKELY
In their service to protect the public, including motorists, the SAPS will usually set up a road block for diverting traffic. Motorists must cooperate with all their instructions. Anyone trying to ‘do their own thing’ could land in serious trouble.
LOOK OUT FOR AN ESCAPE ROUTE OR THE PRESENCE OF THE SAPS
If you are in a dire situation with protesters ahead, see if you can find an alternative escape route, using your cell phone or GPS. If that’s not possible, try and reach a police presence as soon as you can for your own safety.
WHY MUST YOU NOT DRIVE IN THE EMERGENCY LANE?
This lane is called an emergency lane for a specific reason – namely, to allow emergency vehicles such as ambulances and police cars to attend to injured people. You could jeopardise their lives by unknowingly impeding such vehicles.
SOME RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE AA
The AA has provided the following recommendations for motorists to consider.
SHOULD YOU ABANDON YOUR CAR?
Try and stay in your car as long as possible, but if it looks like you may have to abandon your car, then don’t hesitate to do so. Although it may be a serious financial loss should your car be destroyed in a riot, at least you can always replace your car. Your life is, however, irreplaceable, and this means you and your passengers should prepare to exit quickly, if necessary.
AVOID STOPPING
Motorists must try to keep on going as much as possible, constantly being on the lookout for any escape routes. In addition, keep a careful eye on the road surface, as you don’t want to end up having a burst tyre from hitting any rocks.
STAY CALM
At all times, stay calm, and avoid irritating any protestors by, for instance, hooting or shouting. Remember, they are in control and not you – the last thing you want is for the rioters to start stoning you.
TELL YOUR LOVED ONES
Once you are safe, don’t forget to contact your loved ones immediately. They are no doubt anxiously awaiting any news about your whereabouts.
Try and make a note of all the above tips in case you end up driving in areas where public rioting is taking place. Prevention is better than cure, and rather focus on how to avoid such trouble spots at all costs.
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views and opinions of Prime Meridian Direct (Pty) Ltd, FSP41040 (car insurance and life cover products). 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.
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