SA drivers and indicators

[noxibox]

I travel to Gauteng fairly regularly, and have definitely noticed more indicator use there than down here in Cape Town. The drivers are far more aggressive in Joburg than Cape Town, however, at least you know what the drivers intention is up there. Here, you've got to guess...

I prefer driving in Johannesburg. At least the majority aren't driving like they're stoned.

 

[InternetSwag]

In Suid Afrika werk dit so, die ou meti grootse ballas ry eerste en allie ander karre moet ma uit sy pad uit bly.

 

[raind33r]

He was explaining the thought train of those that do as they please.

K'rrect

There should be a tongue in cheek emoticon

Also on single lane roads with yellow line left, the notion of - no I won't move over slightly, so you can over take - I'm entitled to just drive in this lane - screw everyone else, they can wait!

 

[ClintX]

I find it incredible that people who are active on forums always use their indicators (or are never guilty of any other road offence discussed). So should it be made a prerequisite of your driving test to become a member of an online forum?

 

[ClintX]

Also on single lane roads with yellow line left, the notion of - no I won't move over slightly, so you can over take - I'm entitled to just drive in this lane - screw everyone else, they can wait!

Nope, they are fully correct in that instance! The yellow line is not for driving in, even partially or momentarily. What if someone is broken down in that lane when they decide to be kind and move over slightly for you?

 

[Naks]

Nope, they are fully correct in that instance! The yellow line is not for driving in, even partially or momentarily. What if someone is broken down in that lane when they decide to be kind and move over slightly for you?

Wrong. The law states the following:

Regulation 298A

Prohibition on driving on shoulder of public road, except in certain circumstances

1. Subject to sub regulation (2) and regulation 298 (1) (e), no person shall drive a motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road.
2. Notwithstanding sub regulation (1), the driver of a motor vehicle may, during the period between sunrise and sunset, drive such motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road which is designated for one lane of traffic in each direction
1. while such motor vehicle is being overtaken by another vehicle; and
2. if he or she can do so without endangering himself or herself, other traffic, pedestrians or property on such public road;
3. if persons and vehicles upon a public road are clearly discernible at a distance of at least 150 metres.

 

[AstroTurf]

Wrong. The law states the following:

Regulation 298A

Prohibition on driving on shoulder of public road, except in certain circumstances

1. Subject to sub regulation (2) and regulation 298 (1) (e), no person shall drive a motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road.
2. Notwithstanding sub regulation (1), the driver of a motor vehicle may, during the period between sunrise and sunset, drive such motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road which is designated for one lane of traffic in each direction
1. while such motor vehicle is being overtaken by another vehicle; and
2. if he or she can do so without endangering himself or herself, other traffic, pedestrians or property on such public road;
3. if persons and vehicles upon a public road are clearly discernible at a distance of at least 150 metres.

Yes, just don't expect me to move over very quickly.
(gotta check for taxis' pedestrians and all the other crazies that use it as a parking lane).

 

[ClintX]

Wrong. The law states the following:

Regulation 298A

Prohibition on driving on shoulder of public road, except in certain circumstances

1. Subject to sub regulation (2) and regulation 298 (1) (e), no person shall drive a motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road.
2. Notwithstanding sub regulation (1), the driver of a motor vehicle may, during the period between sunrise and sunset, drive such motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road which is designated for one lane of traffic in each direction
1. while such motor vehicle is being overtaken by another vehicle; and
2. if he or she can do so without endangering himself or herself, other traffic, pedestrians or property on such public road;
3. if persons and vehicles upon a public road are clearly discernible at a distance of at least 150 metres.

That is very interesting. A quick online check seems to indicate that this may in fact be new laws (please feel free to correct this too) so perhaps those of us who have had our licenses for a while would be unaware of this.

Also online I found Arrive Alive saying this:

Although driving in the emergency lane during daylight hours is permitted under certain provisos, following traffic has no right to force traffic ahead to move across the yellow line to allow overtaking - it may be courteous to move over but it places the onus on you to ensure that it is safe to do so.

So they have no obligation to move over.

 

[czc]

I find it incredible that people who are active on forums always use their indicators (or are never guilty of any other road offence discussed). So should it be made a prerequisite of your driving test to become a member of an online forum?

You're reading an online forum where someone brought it up and people are vocal. If you want you could search for a forum where people brag about not indicating and make the reverse observation.

 

[Naks]

That is very interesting. A quick online check seems to indicate that this may in fact be new laws (please feel free to correct this too) so perhaps those of us who have had our licenses for a while would be unaware of this. .... So they have no obligation to move over.

I got my driver's in 99, and these were the rules back then as well IIRC. But yes, the onus is on the driver in front to make sure their is no danger before moving over.

I drive a Defender, not the fastest of cars when loaded. I always move over when it's safe to do so. Sometimes I let a car past and then see pedestrians so I move back into the lane and the next car(s) flashes me. Sorry, but I am not chancing running over people/animals just so you can get to your destination 5min earlier.

 

[raind33r]

That is very interesting. A quick online check seems to indicate that this may in fact be new laws (please feel free to correct this too) so perhaps those of us who have had our licenses for a while would be unaware of this.

Also online I found Arrive Alive saying this:

So they have no obligation to move over.

Good that you could learn something uncle Now please move over next time. Do first check that it's safe though.

 

[raind33r]

The other thing I see often..
Dotted line - does not mean you HAVE to overtake. Are there cars approaching? Yes! Then stay where you are.

Approaching cars must move to the side so idiot busy overtaking don't crash into them!
Again, I'm entitled to overtake so I damnright WILL and screw the oncoming traffic!

 

[Cool E]

Driving is a skill.

Thats why most guys cant be taxi drivers. We aim to deliver whatever it takes to our passengers in time and safety. We can drive while collecting money. Also we dont drive automatic cars.

 

[ClintX]

Good that you could learn something uncle Now please move over next time. Do first check that it's safe though.

Unfortunately I probably won't. The law states "if he or she can do so without endangering himself or herself" and I feel driving in the yellow line is far too dangerous for me to attempt (partly because I cycle so prefer not to see people enter this area unnecessarily), so best you wait for a break in oncoming traffic before you pass

 

[ClintX]

The other thing I see often..
Dotted line - does not mean you HAVE to overtake. Are there cars approaching? Yes! Then stay where you are.

Approaching cars must move to the side so idiot busy overtaking don't crash into them!
Again, I'm entitled to overtake so I damnright WILL and screw the oncoming traffic!

They've probably misinterpreted the yellow line law and feel the oncoming traffic is obligated to move into it...

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Bringing up this topic again because I swear this is getting worse.

This is really a big thing now in the area where I live. If I would hazard a guess I would say that at least 50% of the drivers here no longer use their indicators.

Think I'm going to get some big bold signage on my car that reads: "You have indicators, fskcing use them!"

 

[reactor_sa]

Bringing up this topic again because I swear this is getting worse.

This is really a big thing now in the area where I live. If I would hazard a guess I would say that at least 50% of the drivers here no longer use their indicators.

Think I'm going to get some big bold signage on my car that reads: "You have indicators, fskcing use them!"

I concur. I think it is getting worse, specifically on the n3 . And the idiots at fault are usually driving suv or bakkie, or BMW. 3 most common non indicators.

 

[akescpt]

isnt everyone mind readers? we must be because its becoming more and more of a problem...

 

[doubletrouble]

Haha, glad to see I'm not the only one that gets irritated by this.

It is such a simple thing to do. Quite literally stretch your index/middle finger and flick a lever a couple of hundred metres before you turn. Viola. At worst you I dunno, burn a kilojoule of energy, at best you avert an accident.

Never use indicators. It gives away your next move

 

[ponder]

I find a lot of luxury german cars with failed indicators on our roads, not to single any brands out as some of the other brands also tend to have this problem.