Incidences in which motorists are attacked while attending to a vehicle that has suffered mechanical failure are far too common in South Africa.
Every year, horror stories emerge about entire families being hijacked while attending to their stricken vehicles, and every year the severity of attack becomes more barbaric.
Even police are no longer safe from the scourge of roadside assailment.
Earlier this year, a police officer was stabbed to death on the N2 highway in Cape Town after stopping to change a flat tyre after being robbed by two suspects. Then in November, a traffic officer was shot after pulling a car over near Borcherd’s Quarry turnoff in the direction of Cape Town.
This situation has necessitated that every precaution must be taken to ensure motorists’ safety in circumstances where their vehicles are rendered immobile.
Before even setting out on a journey, however long or short, a motorist should consider every possible eventuality, and prepare accordingly. Some points worth keeping in mind:
Let other motorists know you’re in trouble
Putting on hazard lights is a given (especially since it’s the law) when your car breaks down, but especially nowadays, when people frequently pull over their vehicles to the side of the road to make or take a phone call, that alone will not be enough to suggest that you’re experiencing mechanical difficulty.
While you also don’t want to be spending too much time outside the stricken car, you should make a point of opening the bonnet so that other motorists will be able to tell you’re in trouble,
Call someone immediately
In this day and age, it is advisable not to take any chances. While police are extremely busy, if you have broken down on a highway that is a notorious criminal hot spot rather put in a call to 10111 to alert them of your location.
Family members and close friends should be alerted as soon as possible. They themselves will know the dangers that lurk alongside the road, and will do everything in their power to get assistance to you as soon as possible.
Be on your guard
Good Samaritans are out there, but again it is better to err of the side of caution. Rather accept help from someone who might be travelling with their family, than someone who looks like they’ve been on the roadalone for some time.
It is terrible that people have to think this way, but unfortunately that is the reality of the world today.
Have a list of service providers at the ready
The 10111 police hotline has effectively been drummed into the minds of most South Africans, but in the event of a motoring emergency, it is important to have a list of key service providers on hand.
From tow truck operators to mechanics and other roadside assistance practitioners, they will be your best friends out there on the road.
Also view:
Vehicle Recovery and Road Safety
Roadside Assistance and Safety
Tyre Failure and Vehicle Fitness