Industry news / 28 December 2018, 11:00am / Kgopi Mabotja (IOL online)
The lack of solid central barriers on many of South Africa’s national routes increases the fatal collision risk exponentially. File picture: Karen Sandison / African News Agency (ANA).
Johannesburg – While most of the carnage on South Africa’s roads is due to drunk driving and general human error, the state of some national roads are also to blame.
This is according to researcher and accident specialist Craig Proctor-Parker, who believes it is shocking that some national route networks are still without solid barriers separating traffic travelling in opposite directions, causing devastating collisions.
He warns motorists to be cautious as many accidents occur on such roads. “Cars are travelling at high speed on these roads. These are high accident zones. If the government implements solid barriers, it will immediately reduce the number of collisions. It’s an expensive exercise but it’s very effective.”
In October, authorities were alarmed after 30 people were killed in a multi-car collision on a stretch of the N1 between Kranskop toll plaza and Modimolle – without solid barriers – in Limpopo.
The accident occurred when the front tyre of a truck burst, causing it to hit oncoming traffic.
Sanral’s northern region manager, Progress Hlahla, says erecting barriers may not be feasible on most roads. “For a barrier to be erected and to function safely, enough width and working space is required.
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