On The Road

In Case Of A Vehicle Accident

This is a short check-list for what you should photograph with your cell phone, immediately after an accident:

  • The positions of vehicles, from far enough away to show how and where they came to rest, relative to the roadway and any substantial features in the immediate area.
  • The general scene, including all vehicles and elements if possible, from all available elevated positions, structures or higher vehicles, preferably showing the whole scene.
  • The 4 sides and 4 corners of each vehicle and/or trailer, individually, from far enough away to show the whole side or the two sides forming a corner.
  • The damages to each vehicle or trailer, from at least three angles and from a higher angle, from far enough to show the vehicle clearly and from close enough to show the damages properly, if possible.
  • The license disks and/or licence plates, signage, branding and the make and model of each vehicle and all trailers involved.
  • The vehicle/s of attending services (law enforcement unit/s, ambulances and/or fire services, towing and recovery units) and any other services and private vehicles present.
  • Any road surface evidence, like scratch marks, gouges, deposits and fluid spills, tyre marks, debris or any other relevant visible evidence from multiple sides - at beginning, end and along the length - and in relation to the scene as a whole.
  • Any obstructions, road closures, road works, road markings, signs, mile markers, unique features or traffic or pedestrians, at the scene - from multiple angles.
  • Driving licenses, ID Documents, Passports or other identification or business cards of all involved drivers, passengers, witnesses or involved parties, as far as possible.
  • Contamination of evidence like vehicles being opened by Jaws of Life, moved or lifted to free entrapped occupant's, photograph this happening - but only if possible and from far enough away not to show faces of victims.

This list is inclusive of the minimum evidence that would best serve the most basic requirements to be of benefit in any insurance claim, dispute or trial.

In all cases and in all jurisdictions, where local legislation trumps any suggestion on this list, local laws apply.

This list may be shared, copied and distributed freely, as long as it is shared completely, as it appears, without any changes and with acknowledgement of the author and copyright holder.

© Stan Bezuidenhout, 2018 – Crash Guys International.

www.crashguys.info

Beggars at Intersections

PLEASE DO NOT CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO BEGGARS AT INTERSECTIONS

There has been an influx of beggars at most of the intersections in and around Bedfordview. Lots of new faces too. Contributing to beggars directly at intersections is not a long term solution to helping them. You are more than likely enabling the local beggars drug addictions, or unwittingly supporting child exploitation. It’s a national problem that is created and sustained by well-meaning residents.

To residents who continue to contribute directly to beggars, please consider this – the people who are asking you NOT to support beggars and window washers directly are the same people who are intimately involved in the security and running of our community. 

Please rather support the legitimate charities that uplift the truly destitute (refer to our list of charities under About – Important numbers).

 

Carjacking

  • Avoid talking on a cell phone while driving.
  • Be alert to people “hanging around” when you stop at the robot
  • Ensure that valuables are out of sight
  • These thieves are targeting laptops specifically, keep that in mind!!
  • Remain alert
  • If you noticed that there is a vehicle following you do not enter your residence but proceed to the nearest filling station, call your security company and / or post to WhatsApp Emergency group

Avoiding Theft of Your Motor Vehicle

  • Lock your vehicle, even if it’s parked inside your residence
  • Make sure that vehicle is securely locked, physically check the doors of vehicle
  • Make sure that all windows of vehicle are fully closed
  • Do not leave keys to your house inside the vehicle while it is parked at your residential property
  • Ensure that no valuables are left in sight inside the vehicle
  • Remove your valuables from vehicle once you are at home eg. Wallet, laptop, etc
  • Where possible put a sensor light at your residence where vehicles are parked

Safety Awareness When Parking / Driving Your Vehicle

  • Park you vehicle where there is a security presence – look for well-lit and / or well populated areas that are not crowded by foliage or buildings.
  • Do not leave firearm in the motor vehicle glove compartment (cubby hole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park – this is against the law!
  • Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your vehicle
  • Valuable items like handbag, laptop and camera should be put in boot of the car
  • Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tyre. The intention can be to steal items that they see or rob you of your car.
  • Always close your windows when driving in city centre
  • Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road or at robots
  • Keep doors and windows closed at all times
  • Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit
  • At night, park in well-lit area
  • Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garage at home
  • Become familiar with your route before you start trip
  • Have an anti-theft device and/or tracker fitted to your vehicle
  • Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your vehicle