WHY is it that some drivers think they’re above the law? And we’re not just talking about blue light brigades, we’re talking about regular citizens on the road.
Put some drivers behind a slow car or truck and suddenly they start ducking and weaving, trying to get past as quickly as possible, often leading them to overtake or bypass using the emergency lane.
Others sometimes drive so poorly that they force people into the yellow lane – something truck drivers face daily
MasterDrive managing director Eugene Herbert told SunWheels Regulation 298A of the National Road Traffic Act explains what all drivers need to know about driving in the yellow lane.
Yellow lane driving is forbidden unless there’s an emergency such as a breakdown, rushing to hospital or needing to stop for a medical or other emergency.
Yellow lanes on freeways may only be used by vehicles in emergencies and never to pass traffic.
It is only on a single carriageway that a driver may temporarily move into the yellow lane to allow faster vehicles to pass. This too is governed by limitations.
It may only be undertaken:
- To allow another vehicle to overtake.
- If there is no chance of endangering anyone’s life.
- During daylight hours.
- If you have a clear 150m of visibility in front of you. It may not be performed on a blind rise, in heavy rain or fog.
Even if you allow others to pass, it is only a courtesy, no one can force you to make way for them.
For more on safe driving, call MasterTrucker on 086 110 0618.
