Senior citizen of Edenvale is cautioning drivers to be alert on the roads

An Edenvale Vineyard resident is cautioning pedestrians and drivers to be extra careful on the roads.
Tony Scanlon (83) was left to die after an apparent hit-and-run incident on the Corner Harris Road and Wagenaar Street in Edenvale.
The traumatised pensioner lost 10 days of his life in a hospital bed and had to undergo hip surgery replacement when a car ran him over and didn’t stop to assist in November last year. He has since spoken out about his concerns for the safety of pedestrians.

Also read: Safe to School – Safe to Home initiative supported by Road Safety Partnership

The unidentified driver allegedly skipped the red light, colliding with the pedestrian who had the right of way. He then fled the scene without stopping.
“I know this intersection very well. I am aware the road gets busy, which is why I waited for the green light. Though I had the green pedestrian man, before crossing I still observed to ensure no cars were coming,” he explained

He said the perpetrator left him in the middle of the road while he couldn’t move.
“I couldn’t tell what car it was because I was still lying in the road and was thinking about other cars running me over. Luckily, two motorists stopped and offered to assist me. They had to help me move.”
They managed to get him into one of the cars and took him home, where his wife called for an ambulance.

He said the entire incident left him feeling sore and bitter.
“You can’t possibly account for someone driving like that. It’s like he popped out of nowhere, coming from my left side. I was extremely angry about how someone can drive like that.”
Edenvale police spokesperson Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile has confirmed that a case of hit and run has been opened with the police and investigations are underway.
Scanlon is slowly making progress, stating that every day is an improvement.

Also read: Scholar patrol and road safety education initiative hopes to keep children safe

Safety tips from Mashile include:
• Avoid being distracted by your cellphone and dark alleyways.
• Walk with a friend or a dog.
• If not, make sure someone is aware that you will be walking alone at night – in case of an emergency.

The following list of safety dos and don’ts are intended to alert individuals walking at night:
• Walk in well-lit areas.
• Try to stick to parts of your neighbourhood or other locations that offer light and limit dark areas. Walking in heavily wooded or abandoned, empty streets where there is little light can be dangerous.
• Walk on pavements or pathways.

You will be safest if you stick to pedestrian pathways or sidewalks when walking at night.
• Always make sure you are highly visible and alert while walking.
• Walk against traffic if you’re on the street.

By walking against traffic, you can see what is coming in advance and allow yourself time to react to danger and you place yourself in the driver’s headlights so they can see you better.
• Remain alert at all times of the day, but especially at night.
• Carry a whistle, pepper spray or other protective (legal) item that will allow you to defend yourself against an attack.
• Carry a flashlight.
• Have your cell phone with you.
• Avoid wearing dark clothing.
• Vary your route and your schedule. While the risk might be low in your neighbourhood, it is still a precautionary measure to have different times for walking and taking different routes.
• Don’t turn down an offer to walk with a friend.