Safety Advice for Driving to KNP from Johannesburg

Driving conditions to KNP from Johannesburg are generally of a high quality. While the journey is safe, you must be aware of your surroundings to ensure a trouble-free trip.

Apps for Route Information​ 

• Utilise navigation apps like Waze, Google Maps or the AA’s road conditions page. 
• These apps can help you monitor traffic conditions, speed limit changes, speed traps, accidents, and road closures along your route.

Where to Stop for Petrol or a Break​

• It’s a long drive to KNP, so plan your route to include stops at petrol or service stations along the way, especially when travelling with kids. 
• The N12 and N4 form a major transportation corridor, so as long as you monitor your fuel levels and plan bathroom breaks, you should not need to go off the highway to local stations. 
• Instead, plan on stopping at highway service stations that are conveniently located just off the highway. 
• These highway stations are generally monitored by private security companies, making them much safer than local stations where you might stand out more as a tourist.

Criminal Activity​

Vehicle Spiking​

• Vehicle spiking is a method used by criminals where spikes or other objects are placed on the road to damage vehicles, forcing them to stop. 
• When the vehicle comes to a standstill, the perpetrators may attempt to rob or assault the occupants.

Precautions​

• Stay Alert: Be vigilant, especially in less populated areas on local or provincial roads. 
• Drive During the Day: Avoid driving at night when visibility is low.

Hijackings & Aggravated Robbery​

• Hijackings involve criminals forcibly stopping a vehicle while it’s occupied. The perpetrators may remove the occupants and steal the vehicle along with any valuables. 
• Aggravated robbery is a form of robbery that involves the use of force, threats, or weapons to steal from an individual. An example of aggravated robbery would be a criminal targeting someone walking to their car. 

Precautions

• Remain Cautious: Be cautious at intersections and stop signs, especially in isolated areas.
• Keep Moving: Try to keep your vehicle in motion as much as possible. Slow down early to avoid coming to a complete stop in potentially risky areas.
  • Red Traffic Lights: In South Africa, treat red lights as yield signs at night if the road is clear. While not legal, it’s common practice.
  • Roadside Vendors: Don’t stop for them. Although they may offer goods at attractive prices, this is a classic hijacking opportunity.
• Doors and Windows: Keep your doors locked and windows closed while driving.
• Hide Valuables: All valuables should be out of sight to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
• Secure Parking: Park in well-lit, secure areas, preferably with security personnel present.
• Hitch-hikers: Don’t pick up hitch-hikers, this is obvious but has to be said.
• If followed: If you feel you are being followed, keep driving.
  • It is especially important to be aware of whether you are being followed before stopping your car.
    • If you are sure the car behind stopped following you, proceed to your intended destination.
    • If you are sure you are being followed, drive to a well-lit, populated area while calling the police or the security hotline provided by your rental company for help. Don’t stop moving.

Managing Minibus Taxi Behaviour​

• Minibus taxis are notorious for reckless driving. 
• Drivers often engage in dangerous practices such as speeding, abrupt lane changes, and running red lights. 
  • (This is partly due to competitive pressures to transport as many passengers as possible. Mostly, it’s just ignorance of road safety.)

Precautions​

• Keep Your Distance: Maintain a safe distance to react to unexpected moves.
• Stay Alert: Watch for sudden stops and lane changes.
• Avoid Aggression: Don’t aggressively overtake or manoeuvre around them.
• Watch Blind Spots: Regularly check mirrors for the unexpected when they are nearby.

Emergencies​

• If you’re renting a vehicle, make sure to review their emergency procedures outlined in their policy.
• If it’s unclear, when picking up your car ask for clear and well documented instructions.
• Failing to adhere to their policy could be seen as a breach of contract with potential excesses and fines kicking in.

Police

• If you find yourself in an emergency involving a crime or potential crime dial the nationwide crime reporting hotline immediately at 10111.
• This number should be used strictly for emergencies where Police are needed.
• Once you are out of immediate danger and safe, report any incidents to the police by filing a report at the nearest police station.