Vehicle spiking incidents on the rise in South Africa’s richest province

Motorists in Gauteng are being urged to remain vigilant while driving, following instances of spiking attacks in Pretoria and Krugersdorp.

The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), a trade union representing 75,000 workers, has alerted drivers after an incident on the N4 between Silverlakes and Donkerhoek caused several vehicles to suffer tyre bursts.

Less than five weeks earlier, one of MISA’s own employees was the victim of a spiking incident on the N14 on-ramp in Krugersdorp, where objects were placed in the road.

The union stated that despite awareness campaigns, the prevalence of spiking incidents remains high on the national roads of Gauteng.

According to several experts, spiking attacks are opportunistic attacks carried out by individuals at night in hopes of exploiting vulnerable and isolated motorists.

Sharp objects are placed on the road to burst tyres and disable vehicles, forcing drivers to stop and allowing attackers to rob vulnerable motorists of their valuables.

MISA’s CEO of Operations, Martlé Keyter, says the union is alarmed by the escalation of these incidents, which have now become the norm.

“Spiking incidents place workers and their loved ones at risk when they travel. We work in an industry where employees have no choice but to adjust their working hours to accommodate customers,” she said.

“This makes MISA members even more vulnerable. It is unacceptable that the lives of workers are endangered simply because they are trying to earn a living.”

The union applauded law enforcement authorities for their increased visibility on South Africa’s roads, but appealed for more to be done to ensure safety at spiking hotspots at night.

MISA also called on motorists who submit fake spiking insurance claims to refrain from doing so, as these waste valuable resources that could assist real victims.

How to avoid spiking attacks

With spiking incidents on the rise throughout Gauteng, it is important for drivers to know how to avoid becoming victims of these attacks.

As such, Cartrack has some tips on how to steer clear of road spikes and what to do if you do become the victim of a spiking attack.

Cartrack advises drivers to avoid driving at night if possible, as it is difficult to see objects in the road, especially on roads that do not have adequate lighting.

Keeping a good following distance creates a safe space behind vehicles in front of you, allowing for enough space to manoeuvre out of dangerous situations.

Motorists are urged not to stop for any object in the road, and should instead move into the emergency lane or onto the grass if able.

Reducing speed in a dangerous area will also give drivers a better chance to spot obstacles early. According to Cartrack, criminals target the fast lane because motorists have less time to react.

When driving on high-risk roads, motorists should drive in the middle of two lanes if circumstances allow.

Driving with two wheels on one side of the road and two on the other may help to avoid spikes in either lane, and make it easier to swerve left or right. This should only be done in an emergency.

Should you become a victim of a spiking attack, Cartrack suggests driving as far as possible, noting that rims can handle more than you think and can take you a few kilometres to safety if you drive slowly.

Victims also tend to hit the brakes out of fear once their car falls in the direction of the damaged tyre. Instead of hitting the brakes, drivers should instead try to keep the steering wheel as straight and keep going.

If your car comes to a standstill, Cartrack suggests exiting the vehicle and running as far as possible and hiding while calling for help.

Sending someone your live location may prove helpful in getting assistance faster, or help trace you should criminals get to you.

Should attackers get to you, Cartrack notes that the only thing left to do is comply, as your life is worth more than what you are being robbed of.

Without staring too much, try to take note of any details that could help police in their investigation once you report the incident.