I always pass through roads with the striking white and big red road sigh with the words ‘high accident zone’ written boldly and in CAPS and each time I see these creatures, I always wonder why the sign is mounted exactly where it is in the first place. Is it after a trend analysis or is it strategically placed in the so-called ‘hotspot’ area? Is there any science to these at all? Either way, this always bugs me for a moment, each time it happens I pause, and then move on. The Golden Highway in Johannesburg surely must have at least one of these…
Golden Highway is a famous 40 km long stretch of road in the Gauteng Province, South Africa, also referred to as the R553, connecting Sebokeng (towards the Vereeniging area in the South), Soweto (in its central) and Johannesburg (up in the North) is one busy and notorious highway.
The Golden Highway recently claimed the life of former newly appointed City of Johannesburg mayor, Councillor Jolidee Matongo on the 18th September 2021 as he was making his way back home from an African National Congress (ANC) election campaign which was held in Soweto that day. A 23 year old electrician from Lenasia and an unknown pedestrian also lost their lives in the deadly crash, as reported by Timeslive. Tributes have since poured in.
On the 27th September 2021, four people, including a paramedic were injured when a truck collided with an ambulance and several other vehicles in the same road.
Similarly, on the 10th March 2020, the same road claimed the lives of ten to twelve people including three children on a head-on collision involving a minibus taxi and a Toyota Avanza. News24 also reports that a number of multiple injuries were sustained through the accident. In November 2020, five people were killed including two children and nine others left injured after a bakkie rolled over on the same road, according to Arrive Alive.
In the deadly crash where about twelve people passed on, EWN reports that one of the driver’s lost control of the vehicle which caused the accident. EWN also reports that of the twelve people killed, three were young siblings.
It is clear that there is a historical danger imminent along the road and I believe that it be high time that the City of Johannesburg puts a spotlight on this deadly highway. Not only as a reaction to the Late Mayor’s passing but in response to the many lives that have been lost along its stretch.
Equally important, is for motorists to be extra vigilant and cautious when driving along this road with its well-documented accident history. This is important with the looming festive season that is known for its many incidents on the roads. There is a need for extra vigilance in terms of police visibility and control wherever practically applicable along dedicated parts of the road. Adequate lighting, for visibility purposes especially at night in some parts, is of key importance. Pedestrians should also ensure that they wear visible clothing when walking along this route. Pedestrians, where practically possible, also need to avoid walking along side the highway as this too poses significant danger There is also a need for increased road awareness campaigns against the use of walking along this busy highway particularly when not clearly visible at night to motorists as a start.
Equally important:
1. No road is a killer. People’s actions and or behaviour while driving is of importance. Motorists should consistently be alert, aware and on the look out each time they get behind the wheel. We also need to take accountability for our actions as responsible drivers on the road.
2. Drinking and driving = deadly combo. For many who are planning on indulging, rather use Uber or Bolt services to commute to and from places of entertainment this summer. Always ensure that there is no substance impacting your driving at all times.
3.Drive cautiously and not just only along this road. When you get behind the wheel, you’re responsible for other people as well. Your one negligent act while driving, has devastating impacts on many other people outside of your own car. This includes animals, other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Keep that in mind.
4. As the festive season approaches, always obey the rules of the road. And remember, it’s much better to be late than to be ‘The Late’. Watch that speed and aim to get to your loved ones in one piece.
5. Too tired to drive? Then just don’t take the chance. Fatigue does play a role in many road accidents so be observant of the exhaustion signs and symptoms and respond to those accordingly by resisting the urge. Rather postpone a trip or take regular breaks along the route to stretch.
Let’s be alert, cautious and mindful of our actions when driving, not just this festive season and along Golden highway but all the time and everywhere. A damaged car can be replaced, a lost life cannot.
References
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[…] June 14, the decomposing body of Nwabisa Mgwandela was found by commuters in a big red bag off Golden Highway in Johannesburg, next to the BP garage in Freedom Park. “Upon inspection of the decomposed corpse, officers noted […]
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