Rock throwing incidents on the N2 have become an increased concern. A crime that a number of Helderberg residents have fallen victim to. Criminals who throw rocks off bridges have left motorists feeling nervous and powerless every time we hit the highway to travel to work and school, and especially at night when travelling with family and friends.
While motorists have no way to predict exactly when or where the next rock thrower might hurl a potentially deadly projectile, it’s vital to be vigilant and to know exactly what steps to take if your vehicle is ever hit by a rock.
We would all like to get back home safely to our loved ones, so we ask all motorists to please take the following precautions while driving:
• Be observant when driving under bridges.
• If the traffic allows it, switch lanes as you approach the bridge.
• Have emergency numbers on speed dial on your phone.
• Report any suspicious activity you witness as soon as you can.
• Do not speed.
• Avoid being busy on cell phones, it will delay your reaction to any incidents.
• Ensure children are strapped to a car seat.
• Ensure your vehicle is properly locked.
• Refrain from drinking and driving.
• Ensure that your driver is sober.
• If you are a victim and are able to do so, drive a short distance away from the bridge before stopping, to avoid being hijacked or robbed at the side of the road by organised criminals or opportunists.
• Drive straight to the nearest police station upon being attacked.
• If you can’t drive your car due to serious injury to yourself, turn on the hazards and reduce your speed but don’t stop while you do a visual assessment of your injuries.
• If you become a target but survive the incident, it’s important to know how to send a GPS message to a family member and how to record a voice note. Only call the police once you have communicated this vital information to your family.
How to send a GPS message: Open up Google Maps or another GPS system on your mobile phone and touch the screen on your location. A window will open asking you if you want to share your location via email, WhatsApp and other messaging apps. Share your GPS location with a friend or family member via your chosen app. It’s advisable to practice this at home so if you are ever in an emergency situation you will be able to communicate your location seamlessly.
The reason why it’s important to send your GPS information first and record a voice note before calling the police, is because you will be traumatized and this will help you to get a grip on the situation. It will also enable family to get an ambulance to your location more quickly if necessary.
If at all possible avoid travelling on roads known for rock throwing, especially when it is dark in the early morning or at night, unless you really have to be on the road at these times.
Please keep safe and be aware of your surroundings while travelling home. If possible, share any rock throwing incidents on social media if you hear of any or are involved in one to alert others who are also travelling the same route.
Emergency numbers to save on your phone and to call if needed:
- ER24: 084 124 - EMO: 072 99 66 337 - Netcare: 082 911 - N2 Emergencies: (021) 480 7700 - SAPS: 10111 - Crime Stop: 08600 10111 - All emergencies on mobile: 112