The presence of “blue-light brigades” on Gauteng highways has been on the rise, prompting serious concerns from the Automobile Association (AA). These high-speed motorcades, often transporting politicians, are not only becoming a daily occurrence but are also endangering the safety of other road users. The AA has called for immediate attention to the aggressive and reckless behavior exhibited by these vehicles, asserting that such actions convey a dangerous message: that those in power believe they operate above the law.
Increasing Incidents of Aggressive Driving
The phenomenon of blue-light brigades is becoming increasingly prevalent, with high-speed motorcades now a frequent sight on Gauteng highways. The AA has voiced serious concerns about these motorcades, emphasizing that they pose a significant risk to other road users. The behavior of drivers in vehicles escorting politicians often borders on aggression, leading to dangerous encounters on the road.
Disturbing Incidents
One alarming incident cited by the AA occurred in 2023 on the N1 highway in Fourways, Johannesburg, where three drivers were viciously assaulted by members of these motorcades. This incident illustrates a disturbing trend: the protective officers in these brigades operate under the belief that their passengers’ importance supersedes the safety of other road users. The AA has criticized this mindset, stating that it sends a clear message that the public must yield or risk facing personal attacks.
Lack of Accountability
Despite raising concerns about the blue-light brigades for years, the AA claims that little action has been taken to address their “outrageous behavior.” They argue that repeated calls for greater oversight of the VIP unit’s operations have gone unheeded, allowing members to act with impunity. Instead of protecting citizens, these officers often view other motorists as obstacles rather than individuals deserving of respect.
Public Complaints
The AA continues to receive numerous complaints from both members and the public regarding the disruptive tactics of these motorcades, particularly during peak traffic times. There are reports of these vehicles forcing their way through traffic and displaying aggressive behavior, including violent gesticulations and brandishing firearms to intimidate others on the road.
Call for Professionalism
The AA emphasizes that politicians being transported in these motorcades must insist on the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct from their security personnel. Allowing such behavior to persist conveys a troubling message that they operate above the law, which they do not.
Legal Framework and Accountability
Legally, Section 58(3) of the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) allows drivers of emergency vehicles, including those carrying authorized personnel, to disregard certain traffic signs. Additionally, Regulation 176 mandates that other drivers yield to vehicles with sirens or identification lamps.
However, the AA contends that any driver, regardless of their passenger’s status, should be held accountable for reckless driving that endangers others. They argue that prioritizing a politician’s schedule over the safety of the public does not constitute an emergency, and it is unacceptable to act otherwise.
The AA’s condemnation of blue-light brigades highlights a growing frustration with their increasingly brazen behavior on the roads, calling for accountability and respect for all motorists.
Related article: DA Warns Against Illegal Emergency Light Usage, Citing Danger to Motorists’ Safety