SAPS warns about reckless driving

LYDENBURG – Total lawlessness on the main roads leading to town has now forced the SAPS to send out a stern warning to drivers using the R36, R37 and especially the R540 Roossenekal Road.

Capt. Saartjie Roos, communications officer for Lydenburg SAPS, recently said that the SAPS would like to warn the public to take extra precautions when driving on the main roads around Lydenburg. “The road between Lydenburg and Dullstroom has claimed many lives
during the past few weeks. In three separate incidents people have died after being admitted to hospital in a critical condition.”

She said that they were aware that the general state of the roads was very poor, but yet the SAPS were registering reckless and/or negligent driving cases on a daily basis. “We all need to be aware of the fact that we have to obey the Road Traffic Act despite the fact that other road users are ignoring it. Don’t try to overtake trucks if you are not a hundred per cent sure that it is safe to do so. Slow down when
approaching potholes as many accidents are caused by drivers who are trying to swerve out for potholes and in the process causes head-on collisions with oncoming traffic.”

She said drivers using the road between Lydenburg and Burgersfort must take the roadworks into account and plan their trip accordingly. “You cannot afford to be in a hurry when driving on this road. Trucks on the Bambi- and Roossenekal roads are also contributing to the high accident rates.

Another two lives were lost on Tuesday when a truck and a Corsa bakkie collided on the Roossenekal Road.” She urged drivers to be patient, alert and arrive alive.