Can we be more prepared against hijackings?

Can we be more prepared against hijackings?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The risks of smash-and-grabs and hijacking have become a reality for all South Africans. This has changed our driving habits and most of us approach intersections at night with caution, slowing down ahead of traffic lights and trying to “time” the green light!

Can we do anything to be more prepared against the risk of a hijacking? The Arrive Alive Website received a request for info on “whether Arrive Alive offers talks to organizations with regards to anti-hijacking?” The Department and the RTMC do not provide these talks but there are private consultants offering this assistance and I am aware that the Volkswagen Driving Academy at Kyalami also provides training to improve the preparedness of road users.

The request for assistance was forwarded to the VW Driving Academy who promptly responded as follows:

“As per your mail to the Arrive Alive website, we at the VW Driving Academy offer Hi-jack Prevention Training.

We have two options available, either as part of the Advanced Safety Driving Course, we will cover the Skidpan, Defensive Driving and Hi-jack Prevention or we can do Hi-jack Prevention as a stand alone option.

If you require any additional information please feel free to let me know.”

Content on “Avoiding hijacking” has been made available on the Arrive Alive website. This includes a discussion of the questions:

• How do the hijackers operate?
• When am I most at risk?
• How do I avoid being hijacked?
• What do I do when confronted?

Best advice is to be prepared and to equip ourselves with information on this topic. We would like to encourage road users to attend safe driving courses and gain information about this life threatening intrusion!

Road Rage on a Sunday morning

Road Rage on a Sunday morning

Road rage is often associated with traffic congestion. I found it rather strange when a motorist sent an email to the Arrive Alive website reporting an incident of road rage on a Sunday morning. The report reads as follows:

“ On Sunday 7/8/2008 at about 14:30 I, my wife and I was coming back from Klerksdorp towards Lichtenburg. Just before the Ultra City outside of Coligny a silver Mazda BT 50 registration nr xxx 635 GP turned in front the left hand side right in front of me without stopping. As I was on speed I flashed my headlights at him. The driver showed me an obscene sign as I went pass him, almost crashing into the side of my car. I kept on driving at the same speed. The silver bakkie came from behind and overtook me twice trying to push me of the road and slamming his brakes in front of me, almost causing a accident. He also suggested that he had a fire arm and was goiing to shoot me at which stage I raced out in front of him, not seeing him again. My wife and son were severely traumatized. WHAT SHOULD I DO?”

The best advice always is to try and avoid the confrontation and not to be pulled into something that might be worse than a verbal assault! Report these incidences via the Call Centre section on the Arrive Alive website. The alleged offender will be approached by the National Traffic Call Centre by way of a written letter and next time he might think twice well knowing that his registration is already on record with a similar offence….

Visit the information on “aggressive driving/ road rage” on the arrive alive website or the mobile road safety website at arrivealive.mobi. Information is also available on the topic of “trauma counseling and road safety”.

A few sober notes on speed and accidents

A few sober notes on speed and accidents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speeding is the most debated aspect of road safety. Traffic authorities hammer home speeding as one of the most important contributing factors to road crashes – whilst road users complain that many other aspects are neglected. A visitor to the Arrive Alive website requested responses to a questionnaire on speeding – and I believe it is important to share the responses from well known accident investigator Stan Bezuidenhout [IBF Investigations]

1. What is the relationship between speed and accidents?

National Government (Arrive Alive, etc) will tell you that “speed kills.” But, it must be kept in mind that the relationship “between speed and accidents” has a direct influence on the one element relating to what it actually means: time over distance. If a vehicle covers one meter per second, we typically describe this as “slow” while one covering 100 meters per second is described as “fast.” This, in turn influences a very important other element - the human factor. Whatever the unit of distance in a particular time frame, the limitation this introduces remains the processing speed of the human model. WE can only “think so fast.” When too much happens in too short a time, the human model fails to interpret, analyze and react to the stimulus. Add to this the simple fact that humans are typically very bad at judging time/space changes, then you will be aware that the relationship between speed and accidents is actually the function of the relationship between human processing speed and the rate at which the world changes. So - I would say that the relationship between speed and accidents is one and the same as the relationship between the processing speed of the human model and time/distance. To this effect, I would say that almost all accidents involving any human factor (speed, control, etc) is directly influenced by-, has a direct relationship to-, and directly influences the speed vs. accident hypotheses. So - in short - speed and accidents have a very, very strong relationship. Accident rates increase exponentially when speed is increased, since the human model and its ability to analyze, interpret and react to situations remains constant, while the time/distance analytical capacity diminishes as the time/distance element is increased.

2. What is the average speed at which most accidents occur?

In our experience (at more than 7,500 road traffic collision investigations) the typical “speed” at which an accident happens is no higher than 80Km/h. But, things ned to be brought into perspective again. This is like asking “at what age do people die.” It is very relative. We need to ask “at what age do people die after the age of 40″ in order to narrow the analysis. Also, we might include or exclude natural versus anomalous mortality. So - with accidents, it is no different. In cities, 80Km/h applies. But, again this is based on the (often false) reports received, since the TRUE speed of ALL accidents are not calculated, recorded, analyzed or reconstructed. So - we are left with a very small percentage of accidents, where the actual speed is known. Therefore, it is currently impossible to answer this with any degree of accuracy. In our experience, accidents in town happen at 60Km/h, on minor highways at 80Km/h and on national roads at 120Km/h (according to the larger percentage information supplied by the drivers). But we know this not to be true, since few people admit their true speed if they think it is going to expose them to legal liabilities. People lie - therefore, we cannot trust the results of the analysis - if any is ever done.

3. In what conditions do the most accidents happen?

This is a question that would be best asked of a statistical model, such as the one contained in the national accident information (eNaTis) system.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation might have this data. In spite of this, we would simply need to ask what weather is the most prevalent in South Africa. In Canada, it would be in snow, in certain parts. In the Namib desert, in sun-light. The appropriate question would be “under what weather conditions does the greatest deviation from the norm occur.” In this case, the answer would be “at night, and in rain.”

4. What percentage of accidents is alcohol-related?

In our experience, at more than 7,500 accident scenes (as stated), less than 10%. Do keep in mind that alcohol related accidents hardly ever occur during the week (office hours) when most vehicles are on the roads. Also, there are actually a very low frequency of accidents occurring on our national roads, that involve intoxication. People do not typically drink before driving from Cape Town to Johannesburg. But - they do drink on Friday and Saturday nights, then commute (a relatively short distance) back home.
This is when and where the higher percentage of drunken driver accidents occur. There is also an increase over the December holidays, and during periods when work parties, matric farewells or rugby celebrations take place.

5. What time of day do most accidents occur?

Again - a question for the RTMC. Although - commuter-cycles are most likely to be the higher accident statistic times, when people commute to-and from work. Just listen to any traffic report, on any radio station, then you will be well informed in “real-world” terms.

6. What reasoning is there behind this?

Most traffic is on the road during commuter cycles, people are impatient to get to work, late for work, or tired and hurrying home.

7. In most accidents, is the cause more often human error or vehicle?

Most definitely human error. Actual Vehicle Mechanical Failure accounts for far less than 5% of all accidents - world-wide.

8. What went wrong (with the vehicle or driving) in most cases?

Human error. The inability for the human model to appropriately interpret the set of dangers contained in a particular situation. This typically involved a person making a decision that results in a mis-interpretation of the true situation, and thereby over-stepping the boundaries of safety.
There is also a great problem in South Africa with vigilantism, and the results are starting to manifest as the occurrence of head-on collisions where there was adequate time, space and distance for evasion and prevention- yet people still run into each other.

9. What percentage of accidents is fatal?

RTMC will answer this, but it needs to be kept in mind that South African statistics are very inaccurate, at best. Did you know - as an example - that if someone died more than seven days after an accident, as a result of his or her actual injuries in an accident (let’s say doctors are waiting for a family member to approve them turning off life support units), that this death is NOT included in the national statistic?

10. How many accidents occur daily in South Africa (rough estimate)?

There are more than 700,000 accidents per year in SA. Again the RTMC would have better figures…

Visit the Arrive Alive Road Safety website for more information on road safety and accidents.

Recognition to past road safety efforts

Recognition to past road safety efforts

The 2007 Evert Van Niekerk Memorial award for road safety has recognized the on-line efforts to enhance road safety in South Africa. I thought it appropriate to shed some light on this trophy and to recognize the past winners as well! Evert Van Niekerk was a motoring editor at the Citizen newspaper and someone who was well known for his efforts to create awareness of road safety. The Guild of Motoring Journalists decided to honor his efforts and memory through a road safety achievement award.

The names of winners displayed on the trophy are:

1990 Vivienne Westray
1991 Southern Africa Holiday Traffic Planning Committee
1992 Dr Piet Welgemoed
1993 The Truck Drivers of South Africa
1994 Capt Rob Askew SA Police Service
1995 The Road Traffic Inspectorate Kwazulu Natal
1996 Ian Charlton SABS
1997 Minister Mac Maharaj Dept of Transport
1998 The Arrive Alive Campaign
1999 The AA Road Traffic Safety Foundation
2000 Philip Hull
2001 Ingwe Coal Minister Khabisi Mosunkutu [ Gauteng MEC for Transport and Public Works]
2002 Quadriplegic Association of SA [QASA] & Middelburg Mine Services
2003 Pick & Pay
2005 Community Medical Services
2006 Caro Smit SADD
2007 Johan Jonck ArriveAlive.co.za

Apart from these winners there have also been numerous nominees who have been as important to road safety. In 2007 the other nominees recognized include Gideon Cloete, head of Incident Management Systems for the N3TC, Con Roux and Andrea Visser from commercial Management and public relations at the N3TC and long time safety campaigner Dr Lawrence Barrit.

The 2007 award is recognition for the efforts in the development of the Arrive Alive Road Safety website. This is also complimented by this Blog as well as the mobile road safety website at arrivealive.mobi

I would like to recognize the assistance of the programmers and graphic artists at Chillies for making this possible and especially the hard work and commitment by Charl Wilson and Pierre Steenkamp. May our efforts continue to address road safety awareness and may these efforts save lives on the roads of South Africa!

Tourism reports increase in visitors to South Africa

Tourism reports increase in visitors to South Africa

Almost four million foreigners visited South Africa in the first five months of this year, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Thursday. Foreign arrival figures showed strong growth, he said in Rustenburg, North West province, at the launch of SA Tourism Month 2008.

Interesting aspects revealed are:

• Overall, foreign arrivals grew by 7.6% from January to May 2008, to reach a total of almost four million (3 983 061).
• There was positive growth from Europe and arrivals from the Americas had shown consistent annual growth since 2002.
• From January to May this year there were over 26 000 more visitors arriving from the United States, bringing the total figure to 161 550 for the region, including Canada. This represents an increase of 13.6% over the same period in 2007.
• Compared to the figure of less than 600 000 foreign visitors in 1994, the long-term growth is truly something to celebrate

Many of these tourists will be sharing our roads and it is important that road safety authorities provide them with important information. Information to be shared with them include:

- Licensing
- Rules of the Road
- Rental cars and safety
- Emergency contact numbers
- Crime and road safety

The Arrive Alive website, the Road Safety & Arrive Alive Blog and the mobile website at arrivealive.mobi will assist our foreign visitors in providing information to enhance the safety of their visits.

Also visit:

- Safety advice for foreigners traveling in South Africa
- Road Safety towards 2010

South African hotels providing connectivity to visitors

South African hotels providing connectivity to visitors

The last month I have traveled quite a bit and stayed at a few hotels in Gauteng and the North West. I have been impressed with the number of foreign visitors in Sandton and shared thoughts with a few of these visitors. At the Balalaika and the Bull Run Restaurant a few friends joined flight crew from a French airline and were able to discuss food, wine and hospitality.

A specific section in the foyer of the Balalaika intrigued me as I spotted a few visitors behind cups of coffee and computers screens. I approached management at the Balalaika with the following questions:

• Do many of your visitors enquire about access to the internet?
As majority of our clients are corporate travelers, both local and international, they do acquire frequently about the internet connection in the hotel.

• Are these individual guests, conference attendees or the public in general?
The conference attendees generally organize data bundles for the delegates and often set up the business centre for them to use.

Individual leisure guests are usually interested in checking their private email and various social networking websites, while the corporate guests can have a range of needs - from only checking the emails to video conferencing.

• How does the Balalaika cater for the connectivity / internet needs of guests?

In the lobby there are 4 computers for the guests to use, as well as internet stations for the laptop users with cable connection requirements. Whole hotel and the neighboring Bull Run restaurant are covered with wireless network. Vouchers are available to guests at the hotel reception.

• Are there any guidance from the Protea Hotel group on this or does the hotel formulate its own strategy?

Each hotel has its own strategy.

• Have you experienced an increase in the amount of lap tops brought to the hotel and usage of these laptops around the hotel

Yes immensely, but even more lately we are noticing people using smart phones as a travel substitution for a computer.

The Arrive Alive Road Safety Website has been developed with the objective to provide an information portal for all road users. Efforts to create awareness of road safety can only benefit if connectivity is provided to local and foreign road users. This will also be complimented through efforts such as the arrivealive.mobi website and this Blog. Our compliments to those hotels who are committed to providing internet connectivity to guests!!

Also visit the section: “Road Safety Advice for Foreigners driving in South Africa”

Severn Trent Water keeps on track with C-Track

Severn Trent Water, the water company serving more than eight million customers across central England, is extending its vehicle tracking solution to include a further 300 vans and commercial vehicles. The vehicles, part of the company’s clean water fleet, will be fitted with DigiCore’s innovative C-track system following a similar installation last year that has delivered both operational productivity and cost savings.

During 2007, the C-track system was initially fitted to 200 vans and commercial vehicles within Severn Trent Water’s customer metering and sewerage fleets, with a view to developing a wider application within the company. Severn Trent Water has now completed the rollout to the sewerage operation, and extended the deployment to its water samplers and water production vehicles.

C-track has provided Severn Trent Water with management information never before available, and together with management and shift changes, meter reads per hour have increased by 19 per cent, and there has been a substantial reduction in overtime claims. In the sewerage business, jobs per hour increased by 6 per cent, with a small reduction in overtime claims.

Severn Trent Water uses a web-based version of the C-track system to provide added visibility and control over its mobile assets and workforce. The solution incorporates effective real-time tracking that allows the company to monitor vehicles in the field, as well as high-level management reporting to help it better understand fleet performance and identify possible areas of improvement.

The vehicle tracking solution has been designed to achieve a range of efficiencies and promote best practice throughout all areas of Severn Trent Water’s fleet operation.

Paul Adams, Project Manager at Severn Trent Water commented: “We needed a system that could be deployed quickly, so we could start getting the benefits straight away. Severn Trent Water requested that DigiCore host the IT service, and deliver the solution over the internet via a web browser.”

“DigiCore took its proven vehicle tracking system, and quickly developed a web-based solution that is delivering added insight into our fleet operations, helping us to achieve significant operating efficiencies, promote safer and more responsible driving, and enhance the service we offer to our customers.”

Tom O’Connor, Managing Director of DigiCore Ltd said: “We are delighted to be extending our relationship with Severn Trent Water and this partnership underlines our ‘Customers for Life’ philosophy. The flexibility of the C-track system has enabled us to work closely with the customer to develop a bespoke solution that provides genuine value by meeting their precise business and operational needs.”

[ Digicore is a partner to the development of the Arrive Alive Website]

Experience with the GPS provides for safety

Experience with the GPS provides for safety

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We often read about the positives and negatives of having a GPS device in our vehicles. I have 20 years of driving experience and must admit that I have only used a GPS for the past month. I have often traveled to the big city with my map on the passenger seat and directions scribbled across pieces of paper. I am also aware that these are distractions to be avoided along with the trusted cellular phone. During the last few years the cellular phone has become an even more important tool to find the way and seek directions from business owners and mostly their receptionists!

Having acquired the TomTom XL recently, I have spent some time to evaluate and compare notes with my friends on GPS devices and their importance for road safety. Not much of a technical person I was amazed at how easy it is to navigate to a specific address – and how fast it recalculates the route to the destination if you decide to venture across a different path.

Even in the short period in time I have become better at using the device. The constant stare at the 3 dimensional map and the network of roads have been replaced with a quick glance and listening to the lady directing the route. My perception of distance has changed as well. The message “right turn 800 meters” or “left turn 200 meters” has made me more aware of the actual lengths of these points in space!

What is also quite apparent is that there are definite positives for road safety as I am becoming more experienced and trusting with regards to the device. A simple message “right turn ahead” or the display of the little arrow to the bottom left of the device tells me at quite a distance from the turn that I will need to move towards a lane that allows me to safely make such a turn. Before the assistance of such a device I have more often ended up in a wrong lane – with the risk of having to make a sudden unsafe movement so as not to pass the correct exit!

From a road safety perspective I believe that it is most important to be aware of the rules of the road and everything around you – and not only to rely on technological guidance. That the GPS device is however an excellent safety feature to compliment a road safety attitude cannot be denied – and my TomTom will by my navigator for the next 20 years!

Visit the Arrive Alive Road Safety Website for more info on “GPS and Road Safety”

The public are in favor of traffic enforcement!

The public are in favor of traffic enforcement!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a quick note from an email sent to the Arrive Alive Road Safety website earlier today:

“I was very pleased to see - at last - a police presence on the N4 (Pretoria to Rustenburg) yesterday. Two patrol cars just cruising, one in each lane/ direction. I really believe this is the only way we will ever get on top of the driving problems that are otherwise set to increase in SA.

One failing is that people do slow down and obey road rules when they see the police, but as soon as they have passed them they speed up again or overtake dangerously as if to say “f*** you, buddy, you’ll never catch me!”
So it would be even better to have a couple of police cars in a row, the second of which would be more likely to catch offenders who think they are in the clear after passing the first patrol vehicle. But this would stretch police resources too much I suppose. At least if there are vehicles “out there” it is a start.”

I would like to invite all visitors / readers to this Blog to share their experiences on the road and to share them with the Arrive Alive road safety website!

Large driveway security gate falls onto factory worker

Large driveway security gate falls onto factory worker

At approximately 08h25 on Friday 29 August 2008, Netcare 911 paramedics responded to calls for assistance after a large driveway security gate fell onto a worker at a factory in Lewis Friedman street in Factoria, Krugersdorp.
 
Paramedics were told that that slatted security gate, which was approximately 2 metres high and about 5 meters long, at the truck delivery point had fallen onto a male worker and he was initially trapped between the gate and the road surface. The gate was removed from the victim by other workers before paramedics arrived at the scene.It was not clear why the gate had fallen.
Fortunately the victim was concious but he was suffered a painful injury to his back. He was stabilised by paramedics and treated for suspected spinal injuries and analgesic medication was administered in an attempt to ease the victims pain.
He was transported to the Netcare Krugersdorp hospital for further assessment and treatment.

NETCARE 911
Emergency No. 082 911

[ Information provided by Netcare 911 to the Road Safety & Arrive Alive Blog]