Over recent months, the phenomenon of spiking – a dangerous criminal tactic where sharp objects are placed on roads to puncture vehicle tyres – has sharply escalated on South African highways

While it has long been advised that drivers should avoid night-time travel when such incidents peak, alarming new evidence has surfaced showing that these treacherous spikes are being employed even during daylight hours.

Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, warns that drivers must be prepared for the possibility of encountering spikes, regardless of the time of day.

“The challenge with spikes in the road is they are very difficult to see and can even be covered by seemingly inconspicuous items like a plastic bag,” he explains.

“While remaining vigilant is important to reduce your chance of falling victim to spiking, the unfortunate reality is that often it is unavoidable.”

As authorities respond to the rising tide of spiking incidents, MasterDrive is leading the charge in raising awareness and equipping drivers with the essential knowledge to thwart these dangers.

Here are key recommendations for motorists navigating highways or rural roads:

Driving on highways

Avoid obstacles: Stay alert and refrain from driving over items on the road, especially plastic bags or discarded clothing, which may conceal spikes.

Maintain distance: Keep a safe distance of six seconds or more behind the vehicle in front of you. Sudden brake lights can signal potential hazards ahead.

Straddle lanes: Where possible, drive in a manner that allows you to occupy two lanes to evade any spikes laid in one lane.

Change lanes at bridges: Shift lanes just before passing beneath bridges, as this is a common area for concealed spikes.

Reduce speed: Travelling at a lower speed may give you more time to spot potential dangers on the road.

Awareness of headlights: Drive within the capacity of your headlights to see obstacles, ensuring you have enough time to respond.

In case of impact: If you do hit a spike, reduce your speed to approximately 40km/h and continue driving to the nearest safe location. Do not stop unless necessary and avoid engaging with any potential criminals.

Concrete lintels: If you encounter concrete lintels, carefully attempt to drive over them if avoiding them is not possible.

Navigating single-lane motorways or rural roads

Route planning: Only use these roads when necessary. Utilize social media and route planning tools to stay informed about road conditions.

Alternate route: If safety allows, drive in the opposing lane to avoid suspicious items that may be spiking hazards.

Grass verge: If required, move onto the grass verge to avoid dangerous obstacles.

Speed control: Maintain a speed below 80km/h for better management of potential dangers.

Report hazards: Once you have safely passed any spikes, notify authorities to help prevent other motorists from becoming victims.

As spiking incidents become more commonplace, the importance of driver awareness and preparedness cannot be overstated.

Vigilance on the road is the best defence against this alarming trend; remain cautious and proactive to ensure your safety and that of fellow drivers.