Intersections are Deadly

Fields Hill, Pinetown, Kwazulu Natal, September 2013 was the scene of one the most disastrous crashes in the country when 22 people died in a horrific incident, at an intersection, involving a runaway truck and five other vehicles, four of which were minibus taxis.

Any reputable advanced, driver training institution would tell you that the law regarding intersections is very clear. Simply put, it says that you will enter an intersection at a safe, legal speed, when the light is in your favour, meaning in the green phase or amber phase if you’ve already entered the intersection and, most importantly, WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO!

Globally intersections are deadly. Traffic lights intersections more-so. With South Africa’s atrocious road traffic safety record, intersections call for extreme care. Here are few tips to help you avoid a disaster:

• Approach any intersection with care, making a quick glance in the interior review mirror to determine the distance and speed of the car following you.
• Do not rush for a green light. Will you be able to stop safely if it suddenly changed to amber?
• Beware of a “stale green” light, be prepared to slow down because it is due to change shortly.
• Be even more careful at a “fresh green light”. A light that has just turned green for you means it has just turned red for side traffic. Every day drivers jump red lights with impunity because “red” is the new “amber” in South Africa.
• When the light turns green, and if you’re occupying the “frontline”, make a quick look to the right, then left, before proceeding.
• Beware of cyclists and pedestrians at intersections and when giving them right-of-way, ensure that the driver behind you doesn’t overtake you, thereby endangering their lives.

Always stop in such a way that you are able to see the wheels of the car in front of you. In this way, you will have an escape route, to the left or right, if the car in front gets into any trouble.