'Throw the book at rock throwers' on SA's roads - AA

Johannesburg - The Automobile Association (AA) notes with concern yet another incident of rock throwing off a bridge onto oncoming traffic in KwaZulu-Natal. According to reports, the latest incident occurred earlier this week in Glen Anil.

“These attacks, because this is how they must be viewed, are barbaric and cowardly. Throwing rocks off bridges onto vehicles below is extremely dangerous and can, as we have seen, cause death and severe injuries to the driver and passengers of the vehicles,” says the Association.

The AA says while there is no perfect solution to dealing with a rock being thrown onto your vehicle, the following tips could be useful.

 1  If possible, avoid driving on roads known for rock throwing

 2 Be alert to movement on a bridge before you go under it

 3 As far as possible, drive during daylight hours to make seeing the environment around you easier

 4 If there are passengers in the vehicle with you, ask them to check for any movement on the bridge

 5 If you are the victim of a thrown rock, try and remain as calm as you possible can while assessing the situation around you

 6 Pull off to the side of the road, once it is safe to do so, to check on damage

 7 Contact police and emergency services immediately

Have you ever witnessed or been a victim of rock throwing on SA's roads? Email us and we'll publish your experiences.

"There is a practice to change lanes immediately before entering a bridge to avoid becoming a victim. This may work if there is no other traffic around, and you are able to move freely between lanes.

"However, this is problematic if there are other cars who have the same idea. Stick to the speed limits, always obey the rules of the road, and always be vigilant of what other drivers are doing,” suggests the AA.

The Association says authorities in areas where rock throwing has occurred have a duty to deploy extra personnel on bridges, and to follow up on all complaints received.

“The re-emergence of rock throwing is scary and despicable. Everything must be done to track down the culprits and, once in custody, they must not be spared the full extent of the law,” the AA concludes.