Road rage is not a new phenomenon in the South African trucking world, but the growing trend of retaliatory actions involving blinding lights and dangerous objects is raising serious concerns for the safety of drivers.
A recent incident on the N10 between Hanover and Middelburg highlights just how dangerous this issue can become.
A Scania truck driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, was seriously injured after the driver of an oncoming truck threw a large bolt at his windscreen. The bolt shattered the glass, sending pieces flying and injuring the trucker in the face, particularly around the mouth.
According to the Scania driver, the altercation began when the other driver had their brights on, blinding him. In an effort to communicate, the trucker flashed his headlights to signal the other driver to dim his lights.
When this was ignored, the frustrated driver retaliated by switching on his own brights, and as the two trucks passed each other, the bolt was thrown.
The attack has shocked many, but it is not an isolated incident. After sharing the Scania driver’s ordeal, we were informed of another similar attack on the R31 near Koopmansfontein.
In this case, the aggressor used a seemingly harmless 5-litre plastic bottle filled with water, which was thrown at the windscreen of the trucker’s vehicle. Just like in the first incident, the glass shattered, leaving the driver with cuts on his chin.
Read | Minor Accident Behind the N3 Road Rage and Shooting
Fortunately, he managed to stop safely, but in both cases, the outcomes could have easily turned fatal if the drivers lost control of their vehicles.
The frustration over blinding bright lights is a real issue for truckers. Many drivers have expressed their anger at those who fail to dim their high beams when meeting oncoming vehicles.
The glaring lights not only cause temporary blindness but can also create serious driving hazards, increasing the likelihood of accidents. However, as these recent incidents have shown, retaliation in the form of throwing objects can escalate road rage to a dangerous level.
Truckers, it’s crucial to remember that road rage is never the solution. While it’s understandable to feel frustrated, especially when other drivers fail to dim their lights, retaliating with aggression only makes the situation more hazardous.
Throwing objects or using the vehicle as a weapon can result in severe consequences, not just for the victim but for the aggressor as well. The safety of all road users must remain a priority, and we must all work together to keep our roads safer.
Advice by SA Trucker
- Stay Calm and Don’t Retaliate: While blinding lights can be frustrating, retaliating by turning on your own brights or throwing objects is never the answer. Stay calm, keep your distance, and focus on the road. Your safety is more important than winning a battle of the brights.
- Use Communication Wisely: Flashing your lights to signal another driver is acceptable, but it’s essential to know when to stop and let it go. Don’t escalate the situation by making aggressive moves – keep it professional.
- Report Aggressive Driving: If you experience road rage or an unsafe situation, report it to the authorities. This can help prevent further incidents and hold the aggressor accountable for their actions.
- Drive Defensively: Remember that not all drivers are considerate or aware of their surroundings. Always be alert and drive defensively to avoid getting caught up in dangerous situations.
In the end, we must remember that being on the road is a shared responsibility. Keeping it cool is not just about avoiding conflict – it’s about ensuring everyone gets home safely. Let’s work together to curb road rage and promote respect on the roads.
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