By Kaya 959 News
Drivers have been urged to be wary following reports of criminals placing spikes on the road.
MasterDrive South Africa said the spikes are meant to immobilise motorists and rob them of their belongings.
MasterDrive SA CEO, Eugene Herbert, said the N4 towards Pretoria appears to be where the crime is occurring frequently with numerous motorists falling victim every night.
He said this is yet another threat for motorists.
“Drivers must be extra vigilant and follow some tips to try to manage the risk it presents. The nature of the crime, however, makes it quite difficult to completely safeguard oneself from the criminals but there are a few tips that can assist motorists,” he said.
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Be vigilant
Herbert said as a South African driver, be ready for whatever danger is encountered.
“The ultimate goal is to put distance between yourselves and the criminals,” he said.
Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson, Obed Sibasa, said they were keeping tabs on at least hot-spots in Tshwane.
He said they have identified the N4 Donkerhoek weighbridge, N4 Simon Vermooten, N4 where church people park to collect water and the N4 between the Rayton bridge and R515 Kempton Park.
Last week, a motorist was stranded after he drove over spikes placed near Solomon Mahlangu Drive offramp. He was assisted by Tshwane Metro Police officers who were patrolling the highway.
Some tips to remember if you are driving on any highway at night:
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Ideally, ensure you are off the highway before traffic quietens dramatically.
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Avoid driving over anything in the road including plastic bags as spikes can be concealed in these.
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If there is another vehicle present, drive six seconds or more behind so their driving can alert you if anything is amiss.
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If the circumstances allow, travel straddling two lanes as it may help you miss spikes being placed in the lane.
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When passing under a bridge, change lanes just before you pass.
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Reduce your speed in order to increase your chances of seeing obstacles in the road.
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If you spot an obstacle before you reach it, move into the emergency lane or onto the grass if that section of the highway allows for it.
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If the highway is quiet enough and safety allows for it, drive across the island (if it is possible) and travel in the opposite direction.
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If you do hit a spike, reduce your speed to approximately 40km/h and continue driving. Rather continue to the nearest place of safety.
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If you do not make it to a place of safety but do obtain some distance between yourself and the criminals, get out of your car and safely find a place to conceal yourself and call for help. Do not panic or engage with the criminals.
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Concrete lintels are being used as well. If you cannot avoid them any other way, slow down and carefully drive over them.
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Once you have safely moved past the spikes, contact authorities to prevent any other motorists falling victim.
