\u201cIt\u2019s important that motorists know their rights when it comes to roadblocks and being pulled over, and that there are options.\u201d<\/p>\n
These are the words of Fidelity ADT regional executive Agnieszka Gryn.<\/p>
According to Agnieszka, knowing your rights and making the right choices when either approaching a roadblock or being pulled over makes the experience a safe and stress-free one for all parties concerned.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hear scary stories of people being pulled over by criminals posing as police officers,\u201d she said.<\/p>
\u201cAlso, if you are travelling alone as a woman, you may want to consider having a security backup plan in place if you are unsure about whether you are legitimately being pulled over.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome security companies offer a meet and greet type of service that you could call on to assist while another option would be a security app that acts as a mobile panic button and can track you along your route.\u201d<\/p>\n
Agnieszka offered the following advice:<\/p>\n
\u2022 If you are stopped at a SAPS check-point, they will direct you to where you need to pull your vehicle off the road. You must obey and stop. This is normally a standard planned roadblock which is easily identified by the cars in front of you that have been pulled over.<\/p>\n
\u2022 If you have been flashed to stop by a marked or unmarked police vehicle, put your hazards on to acknowledge their request and start driving slower or signal by hand that they must follow you.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Make sure you bring your vehicle to a stand-still where it is safe for all. If there is a nearby garage, rather pull into the garage parking area or the nearest police station.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Typically, the officer will ask you to turn off your vehicle without taking your keys. They can, however, take your keys if circumstances make it necessary.<\/p>\n
\u2022 You may request that the officer provide identification irrespective of whether or not they are in uniform.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Only if you have given the officers consent to search your vehicle, may they do so. Otherwise, they must have a warrant to search the vehicle. A female body search can only be performed by a female officer.<\/p>\n
\u2022 If in doubt at any point, contact 10111 and give them the registration details and as much information as possible about the vehicle asking you to pull over. Make sure your phone is on hands-free the moment you get into the car and that the security app is switched on.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Speak in a calm but audible tone and follow instructions. Present your driver\u2019s licence if requested. If it is in the boot, inform the officer that it is in the boot and you need to get out of the vehicle to get to it.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do not pay any bribes, no matter how small.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The only way to avoid being stopped for outstanding fines is to not have them in the first place. Drive responsibly and do not pay any fines on the spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe men and women in blue are there to protect and serve us, let\u2019s make this a good experience for them too,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n
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