Markerboards - Road Safety Foundation

Why Markerboards Matter

The time has come. The year is over. Sunny beaches and blue water here we come !!

We have anywhere between 600km's and 1400 km's to reach your destination - depending where you are going. If all goes well you will drive there and back without any incidents.

BUT

What happens if you are involved in an incident (or are witness to one) and you need to get help to an exact location fast?

Every 200m's on our national roads, there these pesky little blue boards that could be a life saver if used properly.

Emergency Communication Scenario

Imagine if you are a control centre operator and you receive a phone call for a medical emergency. The quickest and easiest way to get someone to you is for that person to know exactly where you are.

❌ This Won't Work:

"Somewhere between Colesberg and Bloemfontein - about 60 kilos from Bloem"

This vague description just won't cut it in an emergency situation.

So what to do?

Step 1: Find the Nearest Marker Board

Look for your nearest marker board. It has vital location information on it.

Step 2: Read the Information Clearly

Read it to the Call Centre operator from top to bottom slowly and in a clear voice.

Step 3: Help is Dispatched

As soon as the person has this information, they will dispatch someone immediately.

What the Board Indicates

From top left:

1. You are on the N3

2. You are in section 5 (this helps to allocate the responsible resource correctly)

3. The kilometers into the above section - in other words - you have travelled 14 kilometres into section 5 (in this case)

4. The direction you are travelling in - in this case "North"

5. On the N3, every "0" board has the N3TC help number on it.

Remember: Markerboards Save Lives

In an emergency, every second counts. Knowing how to read markerboards can mean the difference between life and death.

Driver Safety Tips Emergency Support

Road Markerboards