Elderly at peril from speeding drivers

EDENROC retirement complex offers a secure, stress-free lifestyle minutes from Durban’s golden beaches, but for the elderly living in the complex, accessing the beach is risky.

On Snell Parade, it houses about 50 senior citizens unable to walk unassisted. They said they need traffic calming measures to ensure their safety.

Margaret Cobbledick, 85, who has lived at the home for nine years, said those who used walkers, walking sticks and wheelchairs were most at risk.

“The cars come at great speed, never slowing down. In the evening, they rev and race along this road. I live on the first floor and the noise from the revving is unbelievable, it makes it difficult to sleep.”

Elanor Clark, 89, who uses a walker and has been at Edenroc for five years, said although she did not frequent the beach, her favourite restaurant was across the road.

“They say there are two types of pedestrians, the fast and the dead. I am old and slow, but I don’t want to die, so it takes me forever to cross.

“I go out with friends twice a week. Our favourite restaurant is a short distance but it’s difficult to get there. Inconsiderate drivers have made crossing the road a nightmare. It’s a straight stretch so they just race down because there are no humps.”

A carer, Tracey Xolo, said most residents took walks to the beach and cafés along the promenade, mostly in the mornings and afternoons. “The ability to cross a road in time is one that most of us take for granted but I have seen how badly some motorists treat the elderly. I know people who have stood there for 10 to 15 minutes trying to cross the road. Occasionally drivers stop and let them pass but most don’t.

“The granny I care for is one of the fortunate ones because I help her cross. But there are many on walkers who struggle on their own. It would be a relief if something was done.”

Fiona Rogers, Edenroc managing director, said for seven years they had been campaigning for the municipality to install speed humps.

“Elderly pedestrians are more likely to be involved in a road traffic collision than younger people due to slower walking speed, slower decision-making and perceptual difficulties. They take their lives in their hands every time they try to cross the road.”

When City Watch visited the neighbourhood on Thursday, there was construction work on Snell Parade. Residents said they suspected speed humps were finally being constructed. The municipality did not confirm if that was the case by time of going to print.