Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, has questioned the competence of drivers after a truck got stuck under the N1 inbound, at Paarden Eiland.
Also read: UPDATE: Boksburg explosion, “no case” against the driver
Taking to social media, Smith said that South African road users need to get back to basics after tweet by @TrafficSA about a truck carrying expensive cars that was caught under the bridge was widely shared earlier this week.
Cape Town – N1 Inbound: pic.twitter.com/KxWEexhpk1
— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) December 30, 2022
“From light passenger vehicles to heavy freight transport, is South Africa seeing a decrease in driver competence on our roads?” he said on his personal Facebook Page. “Is it the result of decreased enforcement over the years or the result of fraudulent licences being issued?”
“Even with a simple road rule covered in the K53 Learners License test: “Keep left, pass right,” Smith said.
Smith pointed out that signage at the bridge clearly indicated height restrictions, adding that motorists should always keep to the left and only use the right hand lane when overtaking on any road with at least two lanes, including highways and freeways, motorists should always keep to the left and only use the right hand lane when overtaking.
“So often, slower vehicles can be seen idling along on the right, causing a backup-up of irrate drivers behind them.”
“South Africa needs to get back to the basics, but what if not all drivers understand what the basics really are?,” he said.
In an earlier report, Smith said that officials confirmed that the vehicle had not actually collided with the bridge but had attempted to drive under it extremely slowly..
“This indicates a precise awareness of the load height versus the clearance height, and must be applauded by the actual driver,” he said.
Also read:
Height sensors are no match for Bridget: another truck stuck under Muizenberg Bridge
Picture: @TrafficSA/Twitter