South Africa’s festive season has witnessed numerous tragic road accidents, yet a recent near-miss on Van Reenen’s Pass in KwaZulu-Natal highlights the importance of driver vigilance and road safety, Cape {town} Etc reports.
A passenger aboard a truck was filming the driver’s journey up the pass on December 19 when disaster nearly struck. As the truck made its way up the winding mountain pass, a truck travelling in the opposite direction suddenly lost control and jackknifed.
The out-of-control vehicle veered dangerously into the oncoming lane. Fortunately, the driver of the truck being filmed remained alert and was not speeding. With quick reflexes, the driver brought their vehicle to a stop just in time, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic collision by mere metres. The incident is a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can unfold on the roads, particularly in such treacherous conditions.
The close call could have been far worse, especially given the heavy traffic on this busy stretch of road. However, it is a testament to the importance of adhering to speed limits and staying focused while driving, as these simple actions can make the difference between life and death in moments of crisis.
The truck jackknife was not the only alarming road incident in the region. Just days later, another pile-up occurred on Van Reenen’s Pass, causing major traffic congestion. These incidents contribute to the growing concern surrounding road safety during the festive season, a time when South African roads experience heightened traffic volumes.
In light of the recent accidents, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has issued a stern warning. Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Creecy revealed troubling statistics from the mid-festive season road safety report. Over 561 roadblocks were conducted nationwide, resulting in 3,063 arrests. Among these, 941 drivers were charged with drinking and driving, and 98 pedestrians were arrested for unsafe road crossings.
Despite these efforts, the report reveals a concerning rise in fatalities. A total of 439 fatal crashes have been recorded, a 3.1% increase compared to the same period last year. The tragic statistics include 512 deaths on the roads. While priority road segments have seen fewer fatal accidents, secondary routes remain high-risk areas.
With the festive season far from over, South African authorities continue to stress the importance of responsible driving and pedestrian safety to prevent further loss of life.
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Picture: Screenshot
