ON Friday night, September 11, motorists were reminded about the the danger of driving on the N12, especially after dark, when a Mondeor Sector 2 patroller’s vehicle was hit by a rock.
The incident happened by the Voortrekker Bridge in Alberton, at about 19:45, when the patroller’s front windscreen was hit by a rock which caused major damage.
Mondeor Sector 2 CPF’s, Michelle Pelser sent out an urgent alert to residents warning them to be vigilant when driving on the highway which has become infamous for rock throwers targeting motorists.
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The CPF group suggested that motorists change lanes just before going under the bridge. This way, if someone is targeting them, they will throw the brick, rock or stone in the lane the motorist would have still been in before going under the bridge.
Should a motorist become a victim of a rock thrower, it was advised that, for safety reasons, they do not stop but rather go to the nearest garage or report it at the nearest police station.
“No matter what, no one knows what danger awaits us, rather be safe than sorry,” said Pelser.
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Pelser was asked whether the Sector 2 CPF suspected that the N12 rock thrower was the same culprit who has been involved in several other incidents of this nature. She responded: “It is hard to say. I personally suspect more than one suspect is involved as there have been reports of Xavier, Kliprivier, Comaro and Voortrekker bridges over the N12, as well as the foot bridge over N12 from Glenanda North to Glenanda South.”
According to Pelser, the incident was reported to Mondeor SAPS by the patroller and his son.
EMPD spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago gave these tips on how to be safe on the roads.:
• Avoid driving at night unless you have to. Be with somebody in the vehicle whenever possible.
• Drive at a speed that will allow your reaction time to be adequate to safely take evasive action in the event of an obstruction on the freeway.
• Whenever possible, use the freeways you are familiar with.
• Drive defensively and keep your cellphone handy in case you need to call an emergency number (programme 112 on speed dial and EMPD 011-458-0911)
• Let your family know the route you will be taking
• If you drive over a rock or your windscreen is cracked due to stone throwers or obstructions on the road, don’t stop but drive to a safe place.
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