Power outages aren’t just an inconvenience—they create serious safety risks on the road. However, by staying alert, following four-way stop rules, and planning your routes wisely, you can avoid unnecessary accidents and delays.
1. Treat All Out-of-Order Traffic Lights as Four-Way Stops
When traffic lights are out, the law states that intersections must be treated as four-way stops. Even if others are not following the rules, always drive defensively, never assume another driver will stop just because they should.
How It Works:
- The first vehicle to arrive has the right of way.
- If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
- If confusion arises, make eye contact with other drivers and signal your intentions.
2. Be Extra Cautious at Large Intersections
Major roads like the N1, N3, and R21 in Johannesburg and the M5 and N2 in Cape Town become high-risk zones during outages. Many crashes happen because drivers fail to stop or misjudge who has the right of way, stay alert at all times.
How to Handle Busy Intersections:
- Slow down early and be prepared for sudden stops.
- Be patient—rushing increases the risk of collisions.
- Watch for pedestrians—they often assume cars will stop.
- Look for unofficial traffic marshals—sometimes private security or metro police direct traffic.
3. Watch Out for Loadshedding-Related Crime
Loadshedding doesn’t just cause accidents, it also leads to a spike in hijackings and smash-and-grabs, especially at dark intersections. Criminals often take advantage of power outages, targeting vehicles stuck in slow-moving traffic.
How to Stay Safe:
- Keep doors locked and windows closed.
- Avoid stopping too close to the car in front of you—leave space to escape if needed.
- Be extra cautious at known crime hotspots like Malibongwe Drive, Empire Road, and R24 in Gauteng, and Jakes Gerwel Drive in Cape Town.
- If something seems suspicious, rather keep driving and find a safer route.
4. Plan Your Routes Around Loadshedding Schedules
Knowing when loadshedding will hit your area can help you avoid unnecessary delays and risks. If possible, avoid driving during Stage 4 and higher loadshedding, when multiple traffic lights in a row may be out.
Smart Driving Tips:
- Check the loadshedding schedule before heading out (use apps like EskomSePush or municipal websites).
- Leave earlier if you know traffic lights on your route will be off.
- Use alternative routes to avoid high-traffic intersections.
- Consider working remotely or adjusting work hours to miss peak outage times.
5. Be Patient and Stay Calm
Loadshedding is frustrating, but aggressive driving makes it worse. Road rage leads to more accidents, delays, and unnecessary confrontations. A study found that drivers who stay calm in traffic are 60% less likely to be involved in an accident.
Ways to Stay Cool Behind the Wheel:
- Accept that delays will happen—deep breaths can help manage frustration.
- Listen to relaxing music or a podcast instead of focusing on the gridlock.
- Give other drivers space—tailgating only adds stress.
- Don’t retaliate if someone cuts in—just focus on driving safely.
Loadshedding might be back for now, but safe driving habits can help us all get through it without unnecessary accidents or stress. Stay safe, be patient, and always drive defensively.
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