Do SA drivers need to go to charm school?

A lack of good road manners and inconsiderate drivers cause untold frustration on our roads. In an effort to  curb hazardous and just plain rude driving, Europcar has launched Charm School for Drivers – a fun but firm course in good manners behind the wheel.

According to the most recent Road Traffic Report compiled by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), there are four main factors that cause accidents: human, vehicle, roadway and the environment. A massive 82.85% of fatal accidents were attributed to the human factor, which includes unsafe and illegal overtaking manoeuvres or lane changes, poor judgement, fatigue, excessive speed, disobeying traffic signs and signals, driving under the influence of alcohol, and general recklessness and negligence.

“If all drivers abide by the rules of the road, avoid taking risks, and practice small courteous gestures, such as giving way to fellow drivers, saying thank you with a smile or a wave, and acknowledging fellow drivers with friendly eye-contact, the roads will be a more harmonious place,”says Zavi Stein, general marketing manager of Europcar South Africa.

Leading up to the Charm School for Drivers event in Johannesburg on 13 August 2011, South Africans are invited to nominate a friend or family member who might benefit from a refresher course in driving etiquette. To follow the campaign, send in a nomination, or download a road etiquette guide, visit the Charm School tab on Europcar’s Facebook page.