Tips if you're driving on the highway

Avoid driving over anything in the road like plastic bags or discarded clothing as spikes can be concealed under these
If there is another vehicle in front of you, drive six seconds or more behind so their driving can alert you if anything is amiss. Sudden brake lights are a good indicator that something may be wrong
If the circumstances allow, travel straddling two lanes as it may help you miss spikes placed in the lane
When passing under a bridge, change lanes just before you pass underneath
Reduce your speed to increase your chances of seeing obstacles in the road and give yourself extra time to respond
Ensure you are driving within your headlight’s capacity to see (and react) to any obstacles that may be there
If you spot an obstacle before you reach it, move lanes or into the emergency lane if the highway allows for it
If you do hit a spike, reduce your speed to approximately 40km/h and continue driving for as long as possible
Continue driving to the nearest place of safety – do not stop
If you do not make it to a place of safety but do obtain some distance between yourself and the criminals, get out of your car and safely find a place to conceal yourself and call for help. Do not panic or engage with the criminals
Concrete lintels are being used as well. If you cannot avoid them any other way, slow down and carefully attempt to drive over them

If you're driving in a rural area

Only drive on these roads if absolutely necessary. Route planning and following social media groups may provide useful information to assist with this
If the road is quiet enough and safety allows for it, drive in the opposite lane to move around suspicious items
Move onto the grass verge if you cannot move around it or safety does not allow other manoeuvres
Reduce your speed and try stay below 80km/h
Once you have safely moved past the spikes, contact authorities to prevent any other motorists falling victim

seanne.rall@iol.co.za

IOL