South African Road Rules
For some strange reason, many people seem to take a perverse pride in the poor driving habits of their respective societies. Multiple locales are locked in an unspoken competition to claim the world’s worst or craziest drivers, as if chaos on the roads somehow signals a society’s innate superiority over another. The phrase “You think this is bad? You’ve obviously never been to (enter place name here)” is becoming an internationally recognized form of gloating. Of course, the dynamics of reckless lane swerving differ markedly according to the cultural or geographic setting- in some places they are based on a deep disregard for traffic rules, while in others the blame can be leveled on poor road design, congestion, the sheer impatience of drivers or even the tendency for livestock to take leisurely strolls on highways. The results, however, are often tragically the same- gruesome expressway collisions and overturned buses at the bottom of ravines. Despite this very bloody outcome, however, the glory attributed to a society’s daring vehicular habits continues to be sought unabated. There really seems to be some strange global satisfaction in being informed by a visitor that one’s cultural driving habits are “crazy”, as dangerous as they may be.
South Africa, however, is different. A nation of wild, curb-jumping drivers it is not, nor is it a maelstrom of sedans, donkey carts, cyclists, buses and wrong-way traffic à la Asia. Contrary to popular belief, South Africans are partial to a well-ordered traffic system and a strict driving code of conduct simple enough for any visitor to grasp after a few forays into traffic. The care and attention devoted to road management is perhaps due to the central role of the private vehicle in this society: with its perfect storm mixture of suburban sprawl and crime-fueled paranoia, life revolves completely around the automobile for anyone with enough money to afford one. Even the slightest contemplation of walking from point A to B is considered a sign of mental illness in the middle and upper classes- and it doesn’t help that points A and B are almost invariably 27km apart. South African urbanism is dominated by the private automobile like few other places on earth, which makes perfect sense since such a large proportion of the non-white population rely on public transportation to get around. This deeply inclusive approach to planning is a testament to the enlightened nature of apartheid policy.
But I’m getting off track here. The point is that whether you are visiting South Africa as a relatively affluent tourist or a dirty broke backpacker, chances are you will get behind the wheel of a rental car at one point or another. Having spent almost two months in the country, I managed to go through three different vehicles (no I didn’t crash them, they were just three separate rentals). Having thus gained a basic grasp of South African road rules, my experience can hopefully be of assistance to any would-be travelers to this gorgeous and fascinating country. For this purpose I have put together a basic guide to help you on your way should you choose to explore the magic of the N1 between Pretoria and Johannesburg. Enjoy!
Safety First: The Foreigner’s Guide to Driving in South Africa
1) It is forbidden to be behind another vehicle at all times
This basic regulation is the core tenet of South African driving. It is forbidden to be a reasonable distance behind another vehicle while traveling at a reasonable speed. If you absolutely must be behind another vehicle in any given lane, it is obligatory to tailgate it at high speeds- this is the sole exception to the rule. While visitors accustomed to more barbaric driving habits may be shocked at all the passing on the wrong side and/or into oncoming traffic, speeding in the emergency lane and reckless weaving in and out of lanes that ensues, please do not be alarmed: South Africans are merely showing their deep respect for this fundamental rule of the road. If you are turning at an intersection and the car waiting to turn behind you suddenly roars to high speed and cuts you off in mid-turn, do not become angry: he or she is merely showing you the greatest courtesy by not being behind you, even at the risk of causing a bewilderingly avoidable accident.
2) Lane changes must be effected in the proper manner at the appropriate time
This regulation follows on the first one: with it being forbidden to be behind another vehicle at any time, highway off-ramps and turning lanes become rather tricky. How are you supposed to make your exit or turn if many vehicles are lined up in front of you trying to do the same? As always, the South Africans have developed an ingenious response to this traffic quandary: don’t wait in line, and cut everyone else off at the last second with a dangerous swerve. This maneuver is quite simple in an expressway setting: although the exit ramps are on the far left, exiting vehicles must remain in the far right lane traveling at 160km/h until they are within 4m of the off-ramp. The exiting vehicle must then careen across several lanes and cut in front of all those irresponsible drivers who selfishly stay in the left lane to exit on the left.
3) Large vehicles must meet strict road-worthiness standards
Unlike some other so-called “developing” countries, South Africa is very strict about the road-worthiness of its countless lorries. It is evident that they all undergo regular and extensive inspection procedures before they are allowed to ply the many routes of this great nation. Each lorry is carefully checked to ensure that it chokes the roadway with billows of dirty exhaust to the extent that visibility is significantly reduced. Similarly, by law all large vehicles must struggle horribly up even the slightest incline, snarling traffic for many kilometers behind. Municipal buses are also subject to these regulations.
4) Minibus Taxis must pick up and drop off passengers at designated stopping points
The ubiquitous white minibus taxis plying the roads of South Africa provide transportation to a large portion of the country’s population. With casual pick up and drop-off service along their extensive routes, they offer a convenient way for the masses to get to menial service jobs 40km away from where they live. Of course, if it was unregulated this informal approach to mass transit could quickly lead to chaos on the roads. Thankfully, South Africa has taken the initiative to designate specific spots for the taxis to stop. Sensible spots such as the bends around blind corners and on highway ramps, for example. In addition, to further ensure safety, a minibus taxi must occupy no less than half the left-hand lane in moving traffic when it is stopped on the “side” of the road.
5) Mind Your Pedestrians
It does not need to be said that South Africa has a problem with crime. Nowhere is this more evident than in pedestrian behaviour- people sprint through traffic as if they are either a) the recent perpetrator of a crime or b) trying to escape from being the victim of a crime. This mentality means that the crossing zone of choice is most often in the middle of a block where cars are travelling at the highest speeds- this tactic ensures anyone running after them will likely get mauled by a BMW traveling at 190km/h in a 60km/h zone if they don’t get hit first.
6) The Recklessness of Anticipation
In South Africa, road conditions can be quite unpredictable. Freak storms, poor road maintenance, heavy traffic, endemic jay walking and confusing junctions can make for some rather interesting roadways. South Africans, however, compensate for this by driving at extremely high speeds under all circumstances and leaving the smallest possible room for error or braking. This is necessary to escape the men selling newspapers or sunglasses at every intersection whom are surely also carjackers.
And so there you have it. Next time someone tries to tell you that driving in South Africa is crazy, you can refute their bombastic claims by referencing this simple guide. South Africans don’t cherish bad driving like the rest of us- rather, they pride themselves on driving by the book and it shows on every road and at every corner. This is perhaps why the horrific traffic accident rate found there continues to baffle experts and confound all expectations. I would venture the guess that they are the product of irresponsible tourists behind the wheel who flaunt these road rules so cherished from the Cape to Kruger.