After the tragic death of Christiaan Theunissen (17) on Wednesday, after he was knocked over by a car as he crossed the street outside Hoërskool Elsburg, the community and his parents have called for action to be taken with regard to road safety in the area.
Theunissen is the fourth child to have lost his life in road accidents in Germiston, in the space of a few weeks.
The GCN received a huge number of comments on its website www.germistoncitynews.co.za, stating that drivers do not obey the rules of the road in Parnell Road, Elsburg, near the schools (Hoërskool Elsburg and Laerskool Elsburg).
When the GCN visited the scene of the accident, on Thursday, we attempted to cross the street where Christiaan had been knocked over at the zebra crossing.
While waiting to cross, no one stopped or even slowed down for us.
The GCN noticed another man also trying to cross at the pedestrian crossing, and no one stopped for him, either.
Many people commented that people drive at high speeds in the area and do not obey the 60km/h speed restriction.
Ester de Lange contacted the GCN to say that she has been battling with the municipality for years to erect speed bumps in Parnell Road and van Heerden Street.
“People do not stop for the children to cross the road, not at the traffic light or at the pedestrian crossing,” she said.
“Motorists also drive far over the speed limit and don’t even bother to stop at one of the stop streets in van Heerden Street.”
Juan Strydom told the GCN that people use Parnell Road like a “race track”.
“We must act now, how many more children must be hurt or, even worse, robbed of their lives, before something is done,” he said.
“What happened on Wednesday must never happen again.
“I drove past the scene and couldn’t help thinking this could have been my child.”
Another person, who lives in Parnell Road, commented that both cars and bikes race up and down the road.
“It is high time something gets done about it,” they added.
“What about speed bumps that will definitely slow them down?”
The GCN contacted both the metro and the EMPD with regard to the matter and what can be done to prevent future accidents.
Wilfred Kgasago, the EMPD spokesman said: “I will forward the complaints regarding speeding to our Speed Unit commander for action and, in respect of speed bumps being erected, the department of roads and civil works will be requested to look into the matter.”
Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the metro, said: “The provision of speed humps will be evaluated by the metro’s roads planning division in terms of council policies and guidelines.
“If speed humps are warranted, they will be implemented. Feedback will be given regarding the evaluation.
“The said road will be inspected and corrective measures will be taken.”
Also see: Family mourns child’s death
Scholar dies after being knocked down
Tributes pour in for Christiaan
