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Crime on the Roads
South Africa has a high rate of car-jacking and car theft. Middle class and luxury cars are the usual targets. To avoid becoming a victim, it is very important to follow the following security precautions:
- Plan your route in advance. If you do not have car navigation, use an online route planner such as Braby's. At the very least, have a map handy in your car (not in your trunk).
- Know the NO-GO areas and stay out, day and night. These include all township areas i.e. Cape Flats, Kayelitsha, Gugulethu, Langa, Mitchell’s Plain, Joe Slovo (Milnerton), Mandela Park (Hout Bay).
- Avoid N2 and N7 (especially near the Grand West Casino) after dark as they have the highest hijacking risks.
- Be alert driving under bridges. Criminals are known to throw rocks at the oncoming cars to force them to stop. If this happens to you, do not stop. Drive to the nearest safe area and report the criminal activity to police. If you see someone suspicious on top of a bridge, and if it is safe, change lanes just before passing the bridge.
- When coming to a traffic light or stop sign, slow down gradually instead of racing up and bringing your car to a grounding stop in one second. Most hijackings happen at traffic lights or stop signs. It is a lot more difficult to get into a moving car, even if it is rolling at 5 kmh.
- If coming to a traffic light or stop sign you see anything suspicious – especially after dark – do not stop (obviously you need to make sure that there is no risk of you creating an accident yourself).
- Hijackers sometimes pose as beggars so do not roll your window down for them. If you want to be charitable, find a safer way.
- Similarly, hijackers sometimes pose as hitchhikers.
- If you get lost, do not accept help from strangers who want to show you the way by driving with you in your car.
- If you are often following a certain route (for instance from home to school or work), note the nearest police station and hospital.
- Lock all car doors.
- Keep your windows up. Don’t save on aircon – having an open window, apart from exposing you, causes increased usage of fuel (confirmed by Top Gear...)
- Keep your handbag on the floor and jackets and other valuables out of sight.
- Never leave valuables in the car.
- Avoid remote and unlit areas in parking garages. Park as close as possible to the areas of highest traffic, such as entrances to shopping centres or lifts.
- When approaching your car in a parking garage, be alert and make sure that 1) no one is following you and 2) no one is hiding in the car.
- After getting into your car, lock your doors immediately and drive off.
Breakdowns
In case of a breakdown in an unfamiliar area, stay in the car and call your emergency assistance service from your car. If you are in a familiar/safe area, you can get help by flagging down other cars, but do not accept help from those who want to do so while accompanying you in the car. You car insurance company will be able to arrange emergency services in case you break down or get into an accident. Alternatively, most car manufacturers will also have someone available on call in case of breakdowns, flat tyres etc. Have their number stored on your cell phone.
For an extra fee you can join a road emergency service such as AA or Club McCarthy. They can be a bit quicker and a bit more efficient than insurance companies or car manufacturers, but other than that they provide essentially the same services.
Accidents
The police do not come out to investigate the accidents, unless someone was hurt. You will have to drive to the nearest police station within 24 hours of the accident and file an accident report. This is a simple procedure and takes no more than half an hour, after which you will be given a case reference. If you are submitting a claim to your insurance company as a result of the accident, you will have to provide them with this case reference, or they will not compensate you.
Make sure to write down the other driver’s details such as name, car make and registration, insurance policy number and phone number. Take some photos of the accident and of the other driver if you have a camera or camera phone. Note that the presence of the other driver is not required for you to file an accident report with the police. Find your nearest police station at www.saps.co.za.
Last updated: August 22, 2008
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While driving 
