Johannesburg - Would you know what to do if you drove round a bend in the freeway and found yourself in the middle of a riot?
Because that’s what’s been happening increasingly, in and around the City of Tshwane, during the buildup to the upcoming municipal elections; that question is no longer as paranoid as it sounds.
“It’s wise to be as prepared as you can in case it happens to you,” said SAPS Gauteng Provincial spokesperson Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng. “Be vigilant at all times, and, if you need to, engage with the protestors to let them know you are no threat to them, and are merely trying to pass through.”
Top 10 riot-survival tips from the Automobile Association:
1 Avoid unrest areas as far as possible. The best way not to become part of any unrest situation is to not be there in the first place.
2 If you are aware of unrest near you, listen to radio reports and traffic updates, keep an eye on social media, and, if you have it, use the live update function on your GPS to steer clear of hot spots.
3 Listen to the cops- if they’ve closed the road, it’s for a reason. Don’t put yourself in danger by skating past the roadblock.
4 Keep your car moving as far as you can, while checking for possible escape routes.
5 Stay in your car as long as possible- but unbuckle your seatbelt so you can get out of the car in a hurry if you have to.
6 Stay as calm as possible, so you know what’s going on around you.
7 Don’t antagonise protestors by shouting, gesticulating or hooting at them.
8 Avoid hitting any protestors with your vehicle as this may turn the mob against you.
9 If you’re stuck and the situation seems to be turning dangerous, leave your car and get out of the area on foot. Your life is more valuable than your car or any possessions in it.
10 Once you’re safe - with or without your car - call family or friends to let them know where you are, and what’s happening.
“Be aware, be careful and to be safe,” advises the AA. “If you’re in a situation beyond your control, get out as quickly as possible, and get help if you need it.”
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