PROJECT: THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON (PART 14) - ROAD SPIKING

Dec 20, 20245 min read

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Motorists in Pretoria are being urged to exercise increased caution this festive season owing to a rise in road spiking incidents. Criminals are using spikes, stones, and other dangerous obstructions to force vehicles to stop,

leading to robberies, hijackings, and even assaults.

WHAT IS ROAD SPIKING AND WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?

Road spiking involves placing sharp objects, like spikes, on roadways to cause tyre blowouts.
This forces drivers to stop, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
Once the vehicle is immobilised, criminals take advantage of the situation to rob, hijack, or harm the occupants.

HOTSPOTS AND CRIMINAL TACTICS:

This year, numerous cases have been seen where spikes, stones, or other obstacles have been placed on public roads to target motorists.
Incidents are particularly common in the Pretoria area, including major routes like the N1, N4, N12, N14, R566, and R80.
Criminals operate in groups ranging from two to ten individuals and are often armed with weapons, ranging from sharp objects to firearms.
While these crimes can occur at any time, they are more prevalent in the evenings and late at night.
Some offenders use spikes or physical barriers to damage vehicle tyres, forcing drivers to stop. In other cases, criminals throw stones at vehicles in an attempt to cause accidents or force drivers off the road.
For example, along the R80/R566 Rosslyn exit, criminals have blocked highways with objects to stop unsuspecting motorists.

PREVENTATIVE SAFETY MEASURES:

AVOID ISOLATED ROADS:
- Steer clear of deserted routes, especially at night or in areas known for criminal activity.
STAY ALERT:
- Pay close attention to your surroundings and look out for unusual activity, people near the road, or suspicious objects on the roadway.
DRIVE DEFENSIVELY:
- Maintain a safe following distance and be ready to react quickly to unexpected obstacles or threats.
CARRY AN EMERGENCY KIT:
- Always have essential items in your car, such as a spare tyre, a jack, and basic tools to help in emergencies.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE:
- Avoid shortcuts through unfamiliar or high-risk areas, and ensure you know your route before you set off.
KEEP TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBERS/FRIENDS INFORMED:
- Share your travel plans, including your route, departure time, and expected arrival time, with someone you trust.
MAINTAIN CONTROL:
- If you hit a spike or obstruction, stay calm and try to maintain control of your vehicle.
- Drive slowly to a safer location, such as a police station or a well-lit public area.
AVOID STOPPING:
- If you feel unsafe, do not stop in isolated or poorly lit areas.
- Instead, drive to the nearest police station, petrol station, or crowded public place for assistance.

MORE WAYS TO MITIGATE THE RISK:

Avoid driving over anything on the road, including plastic bags.
When passing under a bridge, change lanes just before you pass underneath it.
Reduce speed to increase your chances of seeing obstacles on the road.
Concrete lintels are being used as well.
If you cannot avoid them any other way, slow down and carefully drive over them.
If the circumstances allow, travelling straddling two lanes may help you miss spikes being placed in the lane.
If another vehicle is present, drive six seconds or more behind so their driving can alert you if anything is amiss.
When you see something suspicious ahead if the highway is quiet enough and safety allows it, drive across the island (if possible) and travel in the opposite direction.
If you spot an obstacle before you reach it, move into the emergency lane or onto the grass if that highway section allows it.
Stick to the speed limit and slowdown in areas known for spike and rock-throwing incidents.
- This could give you enough time to spot the object on the road and safely avoid the danger.
If you drive over a spike or other damaging object, remain calm and avoid stopping if possible.
If the unfortunate happens and you hit a spike, reduce your speed to approximately 30-40km/h and continue driving to the nearest place of safety instead of stopping immediately.
At all costs, do not get out of your car.
- Instead, drive your tyres to the rim to the nearest police station.
It is vitally important that you do not panic or engage with the criminals as this can put your life at risk.
If you managed to move past the spikes safely, contact authorities immediately to prevent other motorists from being harmed by the criminals.
It is critical to identify the high-risk roads in your area/province.
- This information is generally published in each area.
Always ensure that your cell phone is fully charged and its live location is always on, especially if you drive alone.

**AFRIFORUM'S LATEST MAP INDICATING ROAD SPIKING HOTSPOTS IN PRETORIA AND SURROUNDING AREAS**

This is a nationwide phenomenon.

Communities frequently share critical updates on spiking and kidnapping hotspots

through social media platforms and news articles,

providing valuable information to help motorists remain vigilant.

Reporting road spiking incidents to the SAPS (South African Police Service) is critical.

Road spiking often escalates to violent crimes such as hijacking or kidnapping,

so staying informed and prepared is essential for your safety.

PREVIOUS WARNING PROJECTS POSTED BY SSS:

OTHER HOLIDAY SAFETY-SPECIFIC PROJECTS:

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