I drive on the N2 from Stellenbosch every day - but only one way. At night, when I have to drive back in the dark, I take the N1.
And there's only one reason - I'm aware that the N2 is not safe, especially in the dark.
That's not a new concern - the N2 has a long history of being hazardous at times. But when I started driving it daily last year, I was dismissive of people who said I should rather take the N1.
The stone-throwing and criminality had stopped, I thought. And I don't want to live my life in constant fear.
Driving from the centre of town, there's not much difference for me between the N1 and N2 in terms of how long it takes to get home.
But for some whimsical reason, I prefer the N2, even with the hazards of people crossing and dodging high speed traffic. You just have to be extra aware. It's also less congested than the N1 in the mornings.
But sometimes I drive home late at night, and until very recently I considered the N2 safe enough.
Strange, the conversation in my head: "Well, it's only 10pm, so there should be quite a few cars on the road, so I'll be okay. I'll just have my cellphone ready, in case. In case of what? A stone through your window isn't going to give you time to make a call. Ja, but driving all the way from Plumstead to the N1 doesn't make sense ..."
So I weighed up the risks.
On Sunday, though, after reading about the attack on the N2, the debate was short. "Should I go N1 or N2? Better not take the chance." End of debate.
At least I have a choice. Not sure what I'd do if I lived in Somerset West, though.