A recent spate of crashes involving trucks, buses and passenger vehicles on the N1 in the province has amounted to at least 35 fatalities the latest of which over the weekend when
6 persons died in four accidents.
Polokwane Observer would like to be part of the solution and we are urging readers to suggest solutions and concepts for a safer N1 to be directed to the Department of Transport and Community Safety.
A suggestion for a 24/7 hour hotline where motorists can telephonically report reckless or negligent drivers has already been received. This hotline will provide valuable information to the department’s control room who can then activate patrol units to address the issue.
Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club President Lesiba Chuene indicated that trucks losing some of their cargo, such as pallets or pieces of burst tyre on the N1 are the most common hazards for bikers, especially those travelling at night. He also referred to a recent incident where cows were found crossing the highway near Mookgophong.
Farm workers should be educated on the dangers thereof, he suggested. Other suggestions are for traffic officers to maintain higher visibility and to conduct more speed traps, according to Chuene who also recommended a barrier between the north and southbound lanes from Polokwane to Kranskop.
The series of fatal accidents on the N1 also caused Limpopo residents to draft a petition named Reduced N1 Accidents.
On the online petition a suggestion is made that a solid barrier be implemented between the north and southbound lanes. Almost 23 000 people had already signed the petition at the time of going to print. To sign the petition visit www.change.org.
The suggestions initiative was welcomed by departmental spokesperson Matome Moremi-Taueatsoala who indicated that inputs from road users will be highly appreciated.
He indicated that the recent accident which claimed four lives occurred on the N1 just outside Mookgophong on Sunday.
According to him the driver of the sedan was travelling in a southern direction when he allegedly lost control and collided head-on with a truck from the opposite direction. The impact caused the truck to overturn, blocking the flow of traffic in both directions.
He added that four occupants of the sedan were declared dead on the scene while two others had suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital.
Any suggestions for a safer N1 can be forwarded to rc.observer@gmail.com. Readers should indicate whether they prefer to remain anonymous.
Story: RC Myburgh
>>rc.observer@gmail.com
