Children killed on same street minutes apart
"While the emergency medical personnel were on the scene trying to save the boy's life, another victim was hit a few metres away on the same road."
Authorities responsible for safety in Mogale City are concerned about the latest incidents of culpable homicide on the R41 after two boys aged between 11 and 12 were hit by speeding vehicles on the same day.
Captain Solomon Sibiya, spokesperson for Kagiso Police, reported that the first accident happened at about 2.30pm when the victim, who was allegedly walking home from school, tried to cross the road.
“While the emergency medical personnel were on the scene trying to save the boy’s life, another victim was hit a few metres away on the same road,” said Sibiya.
While on scene, they noticed that the ward councillor for Kagiso Extension 12 had arrived, while residents of Extension 13 barricaded the road with tree branches, rocks and burning tyres. The first boy died on scene while the second victim was rushed to Leratong Hospital in a critical condition. Sadly, he too, passed away.
Also Read: Two killed when truck hit children
“Authorities are concerned and want to see parents and motorists take charge of the safety of children on our roads. Parents must make it their responsibility to educate their children about safety on the roads, and not only rely on traffic departments.”
Safety advice for pedestrians should include the following:
• Always obeying road signs and traffic lights (robots).
• Encourage the wearing of light coloured, and highly visible, reflective clothing.
• Be aware of the dangers of distracted walking in traffic.
• Do not walk in the road – use the pavement. If there is no pavement, walk as near to the edge as possible, facing the oncoming traffic.
• Avoid roads at all times when intoxicated.
• When crossing a road that has a pedestrian bridge, use it, even if it means walking further.
• Never cross the road without looking both ways, and check that there is no traffic before crossing the road.
• Never assume that you have been seen – many disturbances might attract the attention of the motorist, including a low sun in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Be wary. Most drivers are nice people, but don’t count on them paying attention.
• Watch out – make eye contact to be sure they see you!
• Do not walk and stop halfway across the road – remain beside the road until both lanes are clear for you to cross safely.
Safety advice for motorists/ bikers should include the following:
• You can encounter pedestrians any time and any where – even in places where they are not supposed to be, such as freeways.
• Be aware that many informal settlements are situated alongside main roads and that there are often no formal points of crossing or pedestrian bridges.
• Pedestrians can be very hard to see, especially in bad weather or at night. Remain alert and avoid distractions.
• Do not speed near these settlements and residential areas – be prepared to slow down.
• Do not assume that you have been seen or that pedestrians will act predictably. They may be physically or mentally impaired – or drunk!
• Be on the lookout for small children and elderly pedestrians.
• Avoid distracted driving.
• Avoid overtaking vehicles in the vicinity of these settlements and especially in hazardous driving conditions such as heavy rain or at night.
• If visibility is bad, slow down – avoid driving when your vision is impaired either by strong rain or the blinding headlights of approaching vehicles, or a low sun shining in your eyes.
• Be on the lookout for pedestrians walking at the side of the road with their backs towards you, unaware of your approach.
• Be aware of intoxicated pedestrians – especially over weekends and near informal settlements.
• Be careful near places where buses or taxis appear to stand next to the road – passengers might suddenly decide to cross the road!
• Stop for pedestrians who are on or approaching your side of the road at a pedestrian crossing, even if it is not marked. When you stop for a pedestrian at a crossing, stop well back so that drivers in the other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop.
• Cars stopped in the street may be stopped to allow pedestrians to cross. Do not pass if there is any doubt!
• When you are turning, you will often have to wait for a gap in traffic. Be aware that while you are watching for that gap, pedestrians may have moved into your intended path.
For more information on pedestrian safety, visit Arrive Alive at https://www.arrivealive.co.za/Pedestrian-Safety-Advice.
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