Last week proved to be rather frustrating for road users in Johannesburg. Rain and hail on Wednesday were not the only concerns as a number of traffic lights were found to be out of order! Earlier today we also shared a news report of faulty traffic lights contributing to an accident at Isando and Brabazon on Friday.
The Matrix Road Safety Association has urged all drivers to be cautious when approaching intersections, especially those where the traffic lights appear to be faulty. “Spring brings its first rains and we can expect traffic lights to occasionally become faulty due to exposure to the rain water. Drivers should practice caution under these conditions as the roads are wet and the potential of faulty traffic lights is raised somewhat. Drivers also need to be observant of the behaviour of fellow drivers at intersections. Rather take your time and ensure other drivers are aware of what your intentions may be,” advises Terence Teixeira from the Matrix Road Safety Association.
We would also like to share some information from the Arrive Alive website on how to drive when traffic lights are out of order:
There are a few basic tips to follow that will protect the road user and avoid frustrations:
- If traffic lights are out of order / not working etc – the crossing becomes a stop street / [four way stop!]
- This means that you have to follow the Rules of the Road for a four way stop
- Even if there is no traffic from the other roads –You still need to stop!
- If the vehicle in front of you crosses the intersection – you would have to allow the vehicles from the other stops to enter the crossing before you can make your move
- This means that you might have to wait for 3 other vehicles from 3 different directions to pass
- Be polite and pass swiftly whilst still cautious of possible offenders
- Be alert to the sequence of vehicles from other directions approaching the intersection
And the big NO’s
- Do not tailgate the vehicle in front of you to slip through under the radar
- Be alert to innocent mistakes – do not become a victim of road rage
- Refrain from rude gestures