Get Your Bearings: The Ultimate Guide to Driving in South Africa's Left-Hand Traffic System
Have you ever wondered what side of the road they drive on in South Africa? As an international traveler, it’s important to understand driving etiquette in different countries. Knowing this can help you avoid accidents and navigate your way easily.
So, what side of the road do South Africans drive on? The answer is simple – they drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is because, like many former British colonies, South Africa follows the British system of driving.
Driving on the left-hand side of the road can be challenging, especially if you are used to driving on the right-hand side. However, it is essential to adapt because it can save your life. Just imagine driving on the right-hand side where you normally drive, but coming across a car from the opposite direction driving at you on your right!
According to a report by the World Health Organization, South Africa has one of the highest fatality rates on the road. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 14,000 people die annually in motor vehicle accidents in South Africa alone. Therefore, understanding their driving rules is crucial to packing safety measures.
Are there any other differences for drivers in South Africa? Yes, there are a few more. Additionally, South Africa’s driver’s licenses are nationally recognized and valid for up to five years. The country utilizes automated traffic lights, which should be taken seriously as violating them can cost you up to R1000 or more ($70 US).
If you are planning to rent a car during your stay in South Africa, it’s essential to remember to carry your documentation with you at all times. You will need to have your driver's license, passport, and proof of insurance.
Another critical thing to keep in mind is that the country's speed limits range from 60km/h to 120 km/h on highways. There is also a maximum alcohol limit of 0.05% for driving. It’s best to avoid drinking and driving, as South African law is very strict regarding drunk driving.
While driving through the country, you should follow all road signs and obey traffic signals carefully. With more than seven million registered vehicles, there is no shortage of car traffic in South Africa's cities. You may encounter narrow roads that are difficult to navigate, especially if you are driving a rental car. Patience and awareness are key during your drives to ensure your safety, and that of other road users.
So, that's it. Now you understand what side of the road they drive on in South Africa. Driving on the left may not be something you are used to, but it’s not something too complex to get accustomed to either. Overall, always comply with their traffic laws, remember to be patient and aware, and most importantly, always wear your seatbelt for safety.
We hope this information has been useful to you. Take care, drive safely, and enjoy your trip to South Africa!
"What Side Of The Road Do They Drive On In South Africa" ~ bbaz
In this article, we will take a closer look at the question: what side of the road do they drive on in South Africa? For those planning to travel to this beautiful country, it’s crucial to understand driving customs to avoid any inconvenience or potential safety hazards while getting around.
The Answer
South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, similar to the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. This practice goes back to colonial times when the British Empire ruled over the country and implemented their traffic system. Even though the country gained independence from Britain in 1961, driving on the left remained unchanged, and it’s now ingrained in South African driving culture.
Why Do South Africans Drive on the Left?
The reason why South Africans drive on the left stems from the era of the horse-drawn carriage. Ancient Roman and Greek civilizations started the custom of riding on the left side of the road as a means of weaponry. Most warriors were right-handed, so keeping the enemy on the left side allowed them to be able to fight them off with their right arm.
This tradition continued through history, and countries including Britain adopted this practice. When the European powers started colonizing other countries, they brought this traffic system with them, and this explains why former colonies of the British empire such as South Africa also drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Adjusting to Driving On the Left In South Africa
Some first-time visitors to South Africa find driving on the left side of the road overwhelming, especially if they come from a country where they drive on the right. Adjusting to driving on the other side may take some time, but it’s crucial for your safety and the safety of other road users.
Most car rental companies in South Africa provide vehicles with steering wheels on the right-hand side and gear shifts on the left, which may take some getting used to. But with a little practice, it becomes second nature.
Road Rules in South Africa
Driving on the left side of the road isn’t the only traffic rule that may be different from what you are used to. South Africa has a few unique rules of the road that you need to be aware of if planning to drive here.
Here are some crucial driving rules to remember when driving in South Africa:
Traffic flow: Keep left and pass right. You should always overtake on the right-hand side of the road.
Seatbelts: Both drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
Speed limits: Speed limits are clearly marked on all roads—always obey them.
Flashing headlights: Flashing headlights from another driver mean either I'm coming through or you can go ahead, but it is also considered impolite and aggressive by some drivers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you plan on driving in South Africa, always remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road. Be mindful of the road rules and adjust accordingly to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Driving in South Africa: Left or Right?
When planning a trip to South Africa, it’s important to know which side of the road they drive on. This can be a significant difference for travelers coming from countries where they drive on the opposite side. In this article, we’ll explore the topic in depth, discussing why South Africa drives on the left, the rules and regulations, and how it compares to other countries.
Why does South Africa drive on the left?
South Africa isn’t the only country that drives on the left–in fact, around two-thirds of the world’s population do. However, it is one of the few African nations that does so. The tradition goes back centuries, to a time when people travelled on horseback. By riding on the left-hand side, drivers could keep their right hand free to greet people or defend themselves if need be.
The first cars arrived in the early 20th century, and by then, driving on the left had become the norm. Despite some attempts to switch to the right-hand side (most notably during the apartheid era), the government ultimately decided to stick with left-hand driving. Today, it remains a cultural mainstay, and visitors should be aware of it before getting behind the wheel.
What are the rules and regulations?
South Africa follows the same driving principles as most other countries. Vehicles drive on the left and pass on the right, and seatbelts are mandatory. As in many places, there are also strict laws against drunk driving, speeding, and using your phone while driving. Visitors from overseas may require an International Driving Permit, so it’s worth checking the requirements before arriving.
One interesting quirk of South African driving is that motorists often engage in “flashing” each other to signal their intent. When making a turn or overtaking, it’s common to flash your lights to indicate your intention. Visitors should expect this and be prepared to do the same.
How does South African driving compare to other countries?
As mentioned earlier, around two-thirds of countries in the world drive on the left-hand side. These include Australia, Japan, and the UK. However, many popular tourist destinations drive on the right-hand side, such as the USA, much of Europe, and India.
Despite being less common, left-hand driving isn’t necessarily more difficult. Visitors should take care, especially at intersections or roundabouts, but most people acclimatize fairly quickly. One useful tip is to rent a manual car, as this puts the driver on the correct side of the vehicle and helps with spatial awareness while driving.
Table comparison
| Country | Driving side |
|---|---|
| South Africa | Left |
| Australia | Left |
| Japan | Left |
| United Kingdom | Left |
| United States | Right |
| France | Right |
| India | Right |
Conclusion: Is it difficult to drive in South Africa?
Driving in South Africa can be intimidating for visitors, especially those used to driving on the right-hand side. However, like most things, it gets easier with practice. It’s important to follow the rules and regulations, including engaging in the local customs like flashing your lights.
Compared to other countries, South African driving is relatively similar to those who drive on the left. Visitors should feel confident that with proper preparation and awareness, they can safely navigate the roads during their trip to this beautiful country.
Tips on Driving in South Africa: What Side of the Road Do They Drive On?
South Africa is a beautiful country that offers stunning landscapes, vibrant cities and rich culture. However, if you plan on driving in South Africa, it is important to know which side of the road you should be driving on. In this blog post, we will share some tips on what side of the road they drive on in South Africa.
The Rules of the Road in South Africa
In South Africa, drivers are required to drive on the left-hand side of the road. This means that the steering wheel is on the right-hand side of the car. If you are not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road, it can take some time to adjust. It is important to stay focused, alert and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Another important rule to keep in mind is that all vehicles in South Africa must be equipped with reflective triangles, first aid kits and fire extinguishers. It is also mandatory for all passengers to wear seat belts. Speed limits should always be obeyed, and drivers should not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Getting Used to Driving on the Left-hand Side of the Road
As mentioned earlier, driving on the left-hand side of the road can take some getting used to. However, there are several tips you can use to make the transition smoother and safer.
- When getting into the car, always remind yourself that the driver's seat is on the right-hand side of the car.
- Take your time when pulling out of parking spaces and onto the road.
- Stick to slower speeds initially until you get a better feel for the road and traffic conditions.
- Always make sure to look both ways before moving off or merging into traffic.
- Follow the flow of traffic, pay attention to lane markings and road signs.
Tips for Driving Safely in South Africa
Once you get used to driving on the left-hand side of the road, there are other things you can do to further ensure your safety while on the road. Some of these include:
- Always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what other road users are doing.
- Avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas where there is limited street lighting and wildlife may roam onto the road.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Be mindful of pedestrians who may not be used to traffic or may not be following road rules.
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially during summer when thunderstorms and heavy rain can cause flash floods.
Conclusion
Driving in South Africa can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it is important to remember that they drive on the left-hand side of the road. While it may take some time to adjust, following the above tips can help you transition more smoothly and safely. Always be alert, focused and prepared for unexpected situations. By following the rules of the road and using common sense, you should be able to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.
What Side Of The Road Do They Drive On In South Africa
Greetings to all the visiting readers who are curious about the driving culture in South Africa. Driving in a foreign country can be intimidating, especially when it comes to understanding the road rules. One of the crucial parts of driving in a new country is knowing which side of the road to drive on.
So, what side of the road do they drive on in South Africa? The answer is simple: South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. Yes, you read it right, and it may sound odd for those who hail from countries with opposite driving systems.
If you're coming from a right-side driving country such as the United States, Canada or Europe, then prepare yourself for a significant adjustment period in South Africa. However, this article aims to inform you about all you need to know before hitting the road in one of the world's most beautiful places.
Before we dive deep into the topic, let us acknowledge that there have been changes in some African countries' driving styles, like Rwanda, which recently switched to the right side of the road. However, South Africa still sticks with its British colonial roots left-side driving.
The South African government introduced left-hand driving in 1923. It was a mandatory change that came as a result of joining a group of nations belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. This switch aimed to avoid head-on collisions on narrow roads since it allowed drivers to sit with their right hand free for waving and indicating.
It is essential to note that the variation in driving sides contributes to the potential for serious accidents during incursions from neighbouring countries and tourists who forget to alter driving habits accordingly.
You may wonder how long it takes for foreign travellers to get used to left-hand driving. While each person's experience is different, most drivers report that it only takes a few days to adjust to driving on the opposite side of the road and car.
Moving on, driving in South Africa may seem daunting at first, but there are ways to make it less stressful. Here are some tips to follow to ensure you are driving safely on the South African roads:
1. Always wear your seatbelt: Seatbelts are mandatory in South Africa, and failure to comply can result in stiff penalties.
2. Keep to the speed limits: The speed limit is 60 km/hour in urban areas, and 120 km/hour on the highways unless otherwise specified.
3. Pay attention to road signs: There are many unfamiliar traffic signs and road markings in South Africa, so be sure to pay extra attention to them.
4. Stay aware of your surroundings: Be aware of pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles on the road, especially on rural roads.
5. Avoid driving at night: It is safer to avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas where there may not be streetlights.
6. Use GPS: If you are not familiar with the area you are driving in, use a GPS device or map to avoid getting lost.
7. Know the rules of the road: Familiarize yourself with the South African road rules before driving, especially when it comes to roundabouts and four-way stops.
8. Beware of mini-bus taxis: These taxis are one of the major contributors to road accidents in South Africa, so try to avoid driving near them if possible.
9. Refuel before you run out of petrol: It is essential to always keep your fuel tank full, especially in more remote areas, where petrol stations can be few and far between.
10. Stay calm: South African roads can be chaotic, but it's essential to remain calm and focused while driving.
Finally, South Africa is famous for its scenic drives, and it would be a shame to miss out on them due to the fear of driving on the left side. By following the tips above, you can enjoy your South African road trip and explore the beauty this country has to offer safely.
In conclusion, South Africa drives on the left-hand side of the road, and knowing this detail will make your travel and exploration smoother and more enjoyable. Always stay alert, follow the rules, and be patient while you adjust to the new driving style. Safe travels!
What Side Of The Road Do They Drive On In South Africa?
Why do people in South Africa drive on the left side of the road?
1. The British influence: South Africa was originally colonized by the British, who drove on the left side of the road. This tradition has remained in South Africa since then.
2. Worldwide standard: Driving on the left side of the road is a common custom in many Commonwealth countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and India, among others.
Is it safe to drive in South Africa?
1. Road conditions: Although South Africa's road network is extensive, rural roads may be poorly maintained, making driving difficult. During the rainy season, dirt roads may become impassable. Therefore, driving in South Africa can be dangerous at times.
2. Crime: Carjacking and theft are common crimes in South Africa, and tourists must park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuables in their cars.
What should I know before driving in South Africa?
Here are some important things to keep in mind before driving in South Africa:
- Drive on the left side of the road.
- Keep your vehicle windows closed when driving in urban areas.
- When parking your car at night, park in well-lit areas.
- Be cautious when driving through high-crime areas.
- Always wear your seatbelt and ensure that all passengers do too.
By following these guidelines and exercising caution while driving, you can safely explore the beautiful country of South Africa at your own pace.