Driving on any national highway can be daunting, but when, like Cape Town’s notorious N2, it’s also known as the ‘Hell Run’, you really need to have your wits about you. These tips will help you survive any of our national roads that are known to be danger zones:
- Never stop. Never. Even if you have a flat tyre, drive on the rims if you have to and keep going until you reach a well-lit fuel station or see police next to the road.
- Do not drive over any cardboard boxes or plastic bags lying in the road, as they could contain cement, rocks or sharp objects that will damage your car and force you to stop.
- Be especially vigilant at night.
- Have an anti-hijacking smash-and-grab coating applied to the windows of your car.
- Ensure that you have all the correct emergency numbers on speed dial.
- Listen to traffic reports – that way you’ll know beforehand if there are protesters on a road and can use an alternative route.
- If you see people close to the side of the road, change to the lane farthest from them.
- If you’re injured, drive to a safe place, if you can, before you stop. Always keep rule number one in mind: criminals’ main intention is to get you to stop.
- Be alert, pay attention and remain focused!
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