Facebook Question:
A recent survey by international driver education company, Zutobi, ranked South African roads as the most dangerous out of 52 countries. This week’s #Facebookquestion was “What is your experience on the road as a driver or a public transport user?” Top of TotT readers’ minds were poor driving and lack of law enforcement.
VERONA VELTMAN said very few drivers obeyed rules of the road and there was zero enforcement. She added that overtaking on double white lines was a standard practice. “Never see any sign of traffic control officers between PA & PE, other than at the weighbridge at Kinkelbos,” she said.
MARILYN PATTENDEN said: “I’ve realised that one has to drive defensively because very few are following the rules of the road. Add potholes to the mix and it’s a case of ‘dodgem’. But ne’er a traffic officer in sight.”
LEONIE YENDALL said their roads were generally in poor condition, adding that drivers not adhering to road rules are far more likely to cause accidents.
SUE GORDON cited a recent visitor saying that in Johannesburg, drivers regard traffic lights as just a suggestion. Gordon went on to state that their greatest problems locally were gung-ho younger drivers loaded up with passengers who simply must overtake anyone anywhere. “When will we see enforcement of rules of the road?” she asked.
Speaking from her experience, ROBIN COLLETT said, “I have recently travelled to Maclear and back. I was horrified with the condition of the roads. Huge potholes and some of the time the potholes were stretched across one section - you had to choose which one was the shallower. Signs are wrong or non-existent. Taxis doing 60km/h on NicoMalan pass, where you can't pass, added more stress.”
NOELENE LEE said she found road travel very stressful because many drivers do not obey, or possibly do not know, road rules. “I have been pushed off the road by a truck while trying to overtake, near Birha, resulting in shredded tyres on the verge. I also travel on Southwell/Albany at night, watching for cattle in the road and speeding trucks at traffic lights. It’s not fun,” she said.
TRISH SHEARARS said: “There are certain roads that are very good but I would agree that the majority of roads have been allowed to deteriorate to a dangerous state and when repairs are done they are not up to standard - just a cheap patch-up job.”