Let's make the road a better place

Every night when I drive home after my show, the road I take is under construction, so three lanes are narrowed down to two. The right hand lane is for the drivers going straight, and the left hand one, for drivers taking the on ramp to the N2 north.

There's usually a long line of cars in the right hand lane because there's a traffic light right ahead for them - whereas the left hand lane is free flowing as it slips off onto the freeway. 

So I'm the guy in the left hand lane leaving Umhlanga in the 'so called' free flowing lane.

But, every single night, yes, EVERY single night, I get stuck in that so called free flowing lane because someone has decided that they're not keen to sit in traffic and would rather 'jump the queue' and then sneak into that lane going straight at the last minute.

So while I sat last night waiting for someone to let this inconsiderate driver in who must have thought he was special and could just jump the queue, in amongst the blasting of hooters and obscenities being screamed, I started to think about the things people do that irritate others in traffic. And it's not just the irritating things, it's also the disrespect people have for road rules that put their lives, and others at risk.

Think about these points below and admit if you're to blame for doing any of them? 

1) Pulling in front of someone and then slowing down?  

Does this have something to do with ego?  

2) Not indicating

I mean, signaling your intentions is one of the most basic acts of courtesy.  

If we can't predict what other drivers are going to do, we can't make informed decisions about what we should do, and the result is mayhem. And insurance claims.

But besides being dangerous, not signaling is also downright obnoxious. It says, "Your safety doesn't matter to me, and I'm more important than you are"

By the way, leaving an indicator on, while it may be a mistake, can be just as dangerous.

3) Using the emergency lane

No words. The end

4) Driving and doing anything else other than driving

Talking on a cell phone, putting on make up, taking selfies... the list goes on and on.

While you're reading this, don't forget to check out Jane's story of what she saw in traffic yesterday

5) Rubbernecking

You wonder why traffic has come to a complete stop, only to find out that it's because drivers are staring at an accident on the other side of the road.

6) Driving too fast for the road conditions 

When it's pouring with rain and you still get the driver who flies past you not just risking their own lives but yours too.  

7) Driving an un-roadworthy car

Times are tough but when you put maintenance on hold, it means that you're starting to compromise your own safety, or others around you. Smooth tyres, bad shocks, faulty headlights and windscreen wipers.

8) Taking two parking spaces or you park in the paraplegic bay even though you're able bodied.

It's inconsiderate. 

Nothing irritates me more than someone who is too lazy to find a parking so they park in a paraplegic bay and then use the excuse "I'll just be two minutes' 

9) Letting your child stand on the front or back seat. 

If you have to stop suddenly, just think of what will happen to that child.

10) And finally,

To write this and say that I've never done any of the above would be a lie. I have, and I'm pretty sure we all have or still do.

If we could all take note of the points above, imagine how much less road rage there would be and possibly how many lives we could save.

The other thing we could learn to do is acknowledge a mistake or overreact to an honest mistake.

We all make mistakes. 

Remember that when someone pulls out without seeing you. Hoot if you need to for safety. But sometimes just use the opportunity to leave it there. 

If the person is decent enough to hold up a palm and say "Sorry!" try saying, "That's OK"? 

And similarly, when you make a mistake, don't slink off as if you didn't notice that you almost caused a five-car pileup. Acknowledge that you screwed up. 

Mouthing "Sorry!" will make the world of difference.