What if the police are trying to pull you over, but you don't feel safe stopping your vehicle? First off, it's important to know that a uniformed police officer has the right to stop any vehicle at any time BUT the Road Traffic Management Corporation and Justice Project South Africa have released what they call a 'Blue Light Protocol' on what to do if you don't feel safe. They advise the following:
- Slow down
- Turn on your hazard lights
-Extend your right arm out of the window with a your hand spread out and extended into the air. Your forearm should be at 90 degrees to your shoulder
-Gesture for the police to follow you by moving your forearm forward and back and repeat this action several times
-Then call 10111 and tell them that you are being followed and are proceeding to the closest police station or public place. If you go to a service station, drive onto the forecourt (centre of the service station) where the pumps or the convenience shop are so you will be in full view of the cameras
-Cooperate fully with the officers from the vehicle that followed you and explain immediately that you felt intimidated and therefore proceeded directly to the police station or petrol station. #StaySmart
Source: www.arrivealive.co.za