Route markers: how they can save your life

POLOKWANE – Well, if you ever come across an accident scene and need to inform emergency services or the police of your exact location, you will use the information supplied on these boards.

In a life-and-death situation, giving a broad description of your location could spell disaster. However, if you call in an accident, emergency services and the police know exactly where the accident took place and can respond swiftly.

What motorists need to know:

• The markers are placed at 200m intervals and the markers with the TRAC assist number are placed at two kilometre intervals
• The kilometre-marker is not a legislated obligation but is a SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency) standard on all national roads

Here’s what each of the points on the board means:

• N3 – road or route on which you are travelling
• 5 – indicates the section of the N4 route on which you are travelling
• 14,0 – indicates the kilometre position on the route section
• N – indicates the direction in which you are travelling, in this case it means east
• TRAC assist number – the emergency number to call in case of emergency or roadside assistance on the N3 Toll Route.

roelof@nmgroup.co.za