Calls for speed control measures after yet another accident at the corner of Ham Street and General Pienaar Avenue
Fortunately, this time, there were no injuries as both parties escaped with a mild scare.
A light midday shower provided the perfect setting for unexpected coincidence. Appearing just a few minutes before the incident and disappearing not ten minutes after, the rain created a slick surface which was a key contributor to a light motor vehicle accident, 4 November.
The accident, between a charcoal Volkswagen and a light blue Hyundai at the notorious Ham Street and General Pienaar Avenue intersection has again raised questions about possible implementation of speed reduction measures.
Those who witnessed the incident recall that the elderly driver of the Hyundai proceeded through the intersection towards Corlett Avenue but failed to properly judge the distance of the Volkswagen that was approaching from Albertina Sisulu Road. Cue skidding tyres, a hooter and the inevitable bang leading to the Hyundai nestling snuggly in the flowerbed of the Engen service station on the other side of the intersection.
Manager of the Engen, Colinda Gebherdt, highlighted the danger that a serious accident could cause to the petrol pumps. “If that car had gone any further and collided with the cooling bays, we would have had to shut the garage down. If there was a high-speed accident and a car damaged the main pumps, it could ignite and explode. We need more speed reduction here,” she said.
Fortunately, this time, there were no injuries as both parties escaped with a mild scare. Crossing General Pienaar Avenue from Ham Street has proved to be a dangerous task and motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution when doing so.
