N2 Toti CBD crash motorist warns of other roadside dangers

BEING in a road accident often leaves you confused and dazed as you deal with the aftermath of the crash.

For Warner Beach resident, Julia Thomas that stress was exacerbated by the antics of suspected whoonga addicts who surrounded her car after she lost control and ended up on top of the centre median armco barrier at about 7.30am on Wednesday, 22 March.

Julia said she lost control and started skidding when the car ahead of her braked sharply on the Durban-bound carriageway.

She explained that a Good Samaritan named Simon, who stopped to assist her, saw the accident unfold. He told her the armco barrier was loose and the end of it jutted out slightly into the fast lane. Her car clipped it and mounted the barrier, coming to rest with two wheels in the air and facing oncoming traffic.

Julia recalls that two guys in their late teens or early 20s arrived within seconds.

“They appeared to be concerned about my wellbeing,” she said. “Before I knew it, at least 10 guys of varying ages had gathered around the bonnet and sides of the car.” She said they were reaching into the car through a slightly open window. “I told them to leave my things alone. Fortunately my windows were mostly closed.”

“I had reached over for my cellphone to call my family, and these guys were crawling all over.” Julia was intimidated but relieved when the motorist behind her, who she knows only as Simon, stopped to assist her. “They immediately vanished into thin air when he walked up to my car,” added Julia.
She said his assistance was invaluable as he helped her out of the car and ensured she locked the doors and safely crossed the road to the verge.

However, as no good deed goes unpunished, the roadside loiterers had made off with Simon’s cellphone which he’d left in his unlocked car when he went to assist Julia. “Thankfully he had his keys with him when he helped me,” she said.
Julia had high praise for all who helped her, including Simon, the Auto Rust tow truck and ER24 paramedics.

“I was very lucky, although I’m starting to feel an extra ache here and there,” said Julia. “I know if I’d opened my door before Simon stopped, it would’ve been tickets.”

She notified the police about the roadside loiterers and hopes the fencing through which they came onto the freeway will be repaired so as to eliminate their access to the N2.

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