Lifestyle

This is what annoys South African drivers the most

Staff Writer

 ·25 Sep 2016

A poll run by BusinessTech shows which road annoyances drive South African motorists crazy – with a familiar road gripe taking the crown.

There are a number of things or situations that make us see red while we’re driving, but when pushed to select only one, minibus taxis came out as the most annoying thing on South African roads, the poll results showed.

However, this was followed closely by another big annoyance – drivers who drive slowly in the fast lane.

Taxi drivers’ behaviour on the roads is widely criticised, and has led to over R4.5 billion in fines being owed to the traffic department in Gauteng alone.

The South African taxi industry is a vital component of the South African economy, employing more than 600,000 people and transporting over 15 million commuters per day.

However, over and above numerous traffic violations, the vehicles are known to take risky chances that put their own, their passengers’ and other motorists’ lives in jeopardy – giving them the reputation of being the most dangerous thing on the roads.

The third biggest gripe for motorists is another known problem in South Africa: drivers who are using their mobile phones while driving.

Using your phone while driving is a finable offence in South Africa, and has been subject to a number of ‘stings’ by traffic officials, particularly in the Western Cape, where mobile phones were impounded.

The offence falls under the category of ‘distracted driving’, and over 25% of road traffic accidents in South Africa are attributed to this – involving one or both parties being distracted by their phones.

These are the things that annoy South African drivers the most:

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