Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act, also known as the basic rules of traffic, states that a driver should show consideration and be alert and cautious to prevent damage or risk, and unnecessarily obstructing or inconveniencing traffic.

The ways in which we show consideration, alertness and cautiousness on the road are not explicitly defined in the act, but have been interpreted over many years of legal usage.

Being alert means that you must have the traffic situation under control at all times and pay special attention to potentially dangerous situations.