A New Driver's Hilarious Traffic Encounter On The Freeway
- A Mzansi driver found herself overwhelmed by freeway traffic and decided to take a breather on the side of the road.
- Yanga Mnisi, a newbie behind the wheel, wanted to gather her thoughts before diving into the chaos of South African roads.
- Social media users rallied around her, assuring her that her actions were completely normal and encouraging her to keep practicing.
- Briefly News spoke with Magda Reynolds, Clinical Coordinator of NICRO, to explore their road safety initiatives.
There’s nothing quite like the freeway to make even the most confident drivers break a sweat. It’s a chaotic mix of speeding vehicles, impatient drivers, and endless lanes. For new drivers, this environment can feel like a battlefield. And let’s be honest, it’s not just about the cars—it’s about the confidence, or lack thereof, that comes with being a newbie on the road.
Yanga Mnisi, a young South African, found herself in exactly this situation. Driving for the first time on the freeway, she felt the weight of the world pressing down on her. Instead of risking an accident, she decided to take a step back—or rather, pull over to the side of the road. Her reasoning? To wait for traffic to thin out so she could navigate the road with more ease. It’s a move that shows caution, but also highlights the challenges faced by first-time drivers.
Hitting the Brakes: A New Driver's Struggles
Driving is more than just learning how to steer a car. It’s about mastering the art of staying calm under pressure, reading the road, and making split-second decisions. For many, the first few drives on the freeway are nerve-wracking. Yanga Mnisi’s story is a prime example of this. As she shared on TikTok, the sheer volume of traffic left her feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Her solution? Pull over, take a deep breath, and wait for the road to clear.
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Her post quickly gained traction, resonating with countless others who have faced similar challenges. Mnisi’s caption humorously summed up her experience: “POV: You’re a new driver, and you can’t handle traffic, and the best decision is to wait outside the road.” The video captures her calm demeanor as she sits on the side of the road, waiting patiently for her moment to shine.
Mzansi's Reaction: Support and Advice
The online community rallied around Mnisi, offering both support and advice. Magda Reynolds, Clinical Coordinator at NICRO, highlighted the organization’s efforts to promote road safety through programs like Shifting Gears and Choosing the High Road. Reynolds explained, “Shifting Gears is designed to teach motorists new ways to approach driving, focusing on behavioral change. It’s a program aimed at road offenders referred by the courts, helping them understand the importance of road safety.”
Social media users also chimed in, sharing their own experiences and tips. One user, @Maite Robert Waga Ra, offered a practical suggestion: “If you can, wait on the left side of the road, not the right. Cars on the right lane are usually fast, and it might be tricky to rejoin traffic.” Another user, @Naledi, shared her personal journey: “I remember driving the whole way in first gear because I was so scared to shift! Now, I can go head-to-head with taxi drivers. Give it time—it gets easier.”
Not everyone agreed with Mnisi’s decision, however. @Keiah warned her against making it a habit: “Don’t do that. You need to get used to it. The sooner you face your fears, the better.” Meanwhile, @Ndlovukazi Hlongwane shared her own fears: “I’ve been there. It gets better with time. Now, my biggest worry is getting lost in unfamiliar places, even with GPS. It’s all about practice.”
Words of Encouragement from the Community
Many users offered words of encouragement, reminding Mnisi that every driver has been in her shoes. @Louisa advised her to push through the fear: “Just test yourself and join the flow. Sure, your knees will shake, but you’ll learn to control that first gear. We’ve all been there.” @kininaafrica echoed similar sentiments: “I’m proud of you. I was sweating the other day when I went downtown. By the time I parked, I was emotionally drained. So, I asked a police officer to help me. Safety first!”
@Hlogie_p offered some sage advice: “We’ve all been there. Stopping there might seem safer, but it’s actually riskier than continuing. My dad always said, ‘Fail fast and learn, but never fail to try.’ Good luck!”
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Another Hilarious Driving Moment: The Hill Challenge
Mnisi’s story isn’t the only one making waves online. Recently, Briefly News reported on another first-time driver who hilariously reversed her car after struggling to climb a steep hill. The driver joked that the hill "showed her flames" as a new driver, prompting her to retreat rather than continue. The video went viral, with many viewers finding humor in the situation while also empathizing with the driver’s fear.
The online community’s reaction was a mix of laughter and solidarity. It’s a reminder that driving is a journey, and everyone starts somewhere. Whether it’s pulling over on the freeway or reversing down a hill, these moments are part of the learning process. With time, patience, and a little courage, even the most daunting roads can become second nature.
