WHAT would form part of Sihle Mdlalose’s daily routine is the very same thing that claimed his life on Saturday 22 March.
Greenwood Park Police Station’s Lt Elvis Naidoo reported that Mdlalose rushed to catch a train home. He went across Corobrick Road in Riverhorse Valley.
“When our officers attended the scene the pedestrian was lying in the left-hand side of the road, already dead. An ambulance was also already on scene,” Lt Naidoo said.
He said Mdlalose was killed when the driver of a Toyota Fortuna was unable to avoid hitting him. According to Lt Naidoo, Mdlalose was killed instantly.
According to Arrive Alive, an alarming number of pedestrians are killed each year on roads in South Africa. Many informal settlements and squatter areas are situated next to highways and special care should be taken by pedestrians and motorists in avoiding accidents.
The pedestrians should focus on some of the following aspects:
- Ensure that you are clearly visible during the night. Always wear lightly coloured clothes or reflecting clothing.
- Do not walk on the road but on the pavement. If there is no pavement, walk as near to the edge as possible, facing the oncoming traffic.
- Avoid roads at all times when intoxicated.
- When crossing the road and there is a pedestrian bridge, use it, even if it means walking further.
- Never run across the road without looking both ways, and check that there is no traffic before crossing the road.
- Never assume that you have been seen – many disturbances might attract the attention of the motorist. Be wary. Most drivers are nice people, but don’t count on them paying attention. Watch out – make eye contact to be sure they see you.
- Do not leave children unaccompanied next to the road.
- Do not walk halfway – remain beside the road until both lanes are clear.
- Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person’s ability to drive.
See more at www.arrivealive.co.za
