Tailgating is illegal and could lead to a R1,000 fine, or worse. Picture: Supplied
On Tuesday, with tongue firmly in cheek, we brought you news of a BMW driver in Switzerland who was initially fined the equivalent of R2.3 million for tailgating another vehicle.
This, of course, is a contentious topic in South Africa, where many drivers have little regard for the recommended following distance of two to three seconds.
Naturally, the story also sparked debate among readers on our social media platforms, with many divided over who really has the right to be in the fast lane.
“Tailgaters are the cause of many vehicles losing control and accidents happening,” Vanessa Spies posted on IOL’s Facebook page.
Another reader took a dig at fast lane hoggers:
“In Cape Town the right hand lane is more often than not the drive-half-asleep on cruise control at 90, never check rear view, or question why everyone’s passing you on the left; for 30km lane,” said Ashley Tanner.
“For every tailgater in a BMW, there are 10 equally entitled pr!#ks in an E-class who think keep left pass right rule is only for trucks,” Tanner added.
A debate also erupted over whether the lead car driving the speed limit should move to the left to let a speeding driver past, with Top Fan John Peter Andrews pointing out that the right lane is not intended for people breaking the law.
However, others felt that the “Keep Left, Pass Right” rule should be strictly adhered to at all times.
“You need a reality check!! In SA it is keep left unless overtaking! You are obliged to keep left, except when overtaking or all lanes are congested!!!!!” said Chris J Coles.
“Even if you are travelling at or above the speed limit you are obliged by law to move to the left lane.I don't tailgate just stating the law,” Peter Dean added.
It is certainly true that Regulation 323(5) of the National Road Traffic Act states drivers should move over to the left lane 1) when a faster vehicle approaches and 2) if it is safe to do so.
While it doesn’t legitimise speeding, nowhere does it state that other road uses should police the fast lane.
However, there are many drivers who tailgate and expect others to get out of the way even when they are legitimately overtaking, or when the right lane is clogged.
The bottom line, in our opinion, is that people should just be reasonable
If the lanes to your left are clear, then you should certainly move out of the fast lane as it’s not a cruising lane.
But by the same token, if a slower driver on the highway is using the right lane to legitimately overtake slower traffic on the left, at a reasonable pace that is not going to cause congestion on the highway, you should at least give them the necessary time to pass.
Either way, tailgating is dangerous and illegal, and it could lead to a fine of R1,000 in South Africa. Or a very nasty accident.
IOL Motoring
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