POLOKWANE – A case of culpable homicide is being investigated after a 15-year-old boy was killed on Saturday, 22 October after being hit by oncoming traffic on the Matlala road outside Polokwane. According to Westenburg Police Spokesperson, Const. Mapure Manamela, the police can confirm that a case of culpable homicide has been opened and is being investigated. She said according to witnesses at the scene, the boy was crossing the busy street when he was hit by a vehicle. “The boy died at the scene and was identified by his parents who arrived there shortly after the accident occurred,” Manamela said.
She said the driver of the vehicle that hit the boy had not been arrested as he did not flee the scene. Investigations are ongoing.
According to the Arrive Alive website, there are a number of things pedestrians can do to stay safe when attempting to cross a busy road.
Such as:
• Be visible.
• Ensure you’re visible to drivers at all times and make eye contact with them whenever possible. This is especially important at night, in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn or in inclement weather.
• Wear lightly coloured or reflective clothing at night and brightly colored clothing during the day.
• Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions.
• Don’t use your phone.
• Don’t wear headphones.
• Follow the rules of the road. You need to be aware of the rules vehicles around you must follow to properly anticipate what drivers will do. This will help increase your safety.
• Never assume a driver will give you right of way. Make every effort to make eye contact with the driver of a stopped or approaching vehicle before crossing the street.
• Walk in safe places. Use crosswalks when crossing the street. If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find the most well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street.
• Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers.
• Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.
• Avoid Alcohol Consumption. Almost half of all traffic accidents resulting in pedestrian casualties involve alcohol consumption. Surprisingly, 34 percent of that total was on the part of the pedestrian. Alcohol impairs your decision-making skills, physical reflexes and other abilities just as much on your feet as it does behind the wheel.
