Load-shedding is creating many problems for motorists, and as much as we may all dislike the traffic created by load-shedding, the sad reality is that we must accept that it [load-shedding] will be the bane of our existence for a while and learn to live with it. As we all know, an intersection that is normally managed by traffic lights becomes a four-way stop when the lights are out. However, many drivers do not follow this rule, which then creates unnecessary chaos at intersections.
Here are some things to remember to help you navigate the roads safely during load-shedding:
- Slow down as you approach the intersection.
- Come to a complete stop and yield way to cars that were at the intersection before you.
- For your safety, make sure to double-check every lane before you go, and do not assume that every other motorist will respect that it is your turn to go.
- If you start to go and see another motorist coming or is about to cross the intersection at the same time, rather let the other driver go than persist on your path to avoid unnecessary collisions or road rage incidents.
- Watch out for drivers that skip the traffic by driving on the left shoulder or over yellow lines of the road, as they will eventually need to move back into the road.
- Most importantly: check, double-check, and check again before you move.
Lastly, as you make your way on the roads, please do not forget that pedestrians will cross intersections too. Please respect them, because they have as much right to do so as safely as a car does.
