Driving / Car safety, Cape Town

I think the Johanneburg streets are more dangerous than any I have seen. Pedestrians at their peril ignore crosswalks and do a dance around cars in mid block. I understand that sadly many pedestrians are killed or hurt every year.

A large percentage of the drivers are not the least bit careful and going for a ride is a bit of a crap shoot. Drivers weave in and out with little regard to safety.....theirs or that of others.
If you are waiting at a robot (traffic light) and it turns green there is immediate honking of horns behind you if you pause for a split second.

When driving, don't leave stuff like handbags, phones, cameras on the seats. People have been known to occasionally smash windows at traffic lights and grab the stuff. I personally know of someone who lost R10,000 worth of phone, camera and other valuables when this happened to her. She even engaged in a tussle with the robber to try and hold onto her stuff, but didn't succeed.

Keep your doors locked.

You might think that I am joking, but I took a photo to proof it. this guy roams the streets of Cape Town especially round the waterfront area, so be careful when you drive as he thinks the road belongs to him.

... will not be there when you get back.

and thats just the way it is: you will have a smashed window and whatever it was that you left in open view will be AWOL.

put stuff in the boot when leaving your car parked somewhere ... anywhere ... day or night: it'll take you a coupla seconds and it'll save you the hassle of replacing a window/ laptop/ cellphone ...

Always drive with your doors locked and windows shut if possible. Street kids and peddlers will snatch things from inside your car, including your sunglasses of your head! They have nothing to lose by attempting to steal off you.

Never leave ANYTHING on display in your car when parked up. People will steal almost anything!!

I found driving in Cape Town fine, going without any hiccups, please take onboard the above advice.

If you are in any doubt about driving use Marine Taxis or a taxi company recommended by your hotel. Marine Taxis can be contacted on the following number: Cape Town 434 0 434

In different parts of the world, customs differ. In North America, a car in the next lane flashing at you means "I am giving you space for you to change lanes." In South Africa, the flashing lights mean "*** off". In other words, DO NOT CHANGE INTO THAT LANE!

Most cars in SA have air-con so don't wind your window down & drive with your arm out even if you did fancy that one arm tanned look.
It is not safe to do this.

Secondly make sure all the doors are locked when driving & try make sure the remote opens only the drivers door instead of all 4 at the same time. Someone can jump in the back.

Providing you take precautions it is safer driving in South Africa

When you travel in the city centre, please ensure that your doors are locked and your windows wound up. We have a problem with people at traffic lights that will grab your sunglasses off your face, grab your purse, grab at any jewellery around your neck. Please be carefull and enjoy your time here in this lovely city without any of these horrible incidents