Road Safety in Midrand a concern

Netcare 911 has shared safety tips for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians after two recent accidents involving these road users.

The first accident occurred on New Road on the morning of 4 October when a cyclist was knocked down by a car.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minaaar confirmed that a VW Golf had collided with a cyclist.

He said, “A male cyclist was seriously injured from the collision and transported by ambulance to Tembisa Hospital. JMPD will open a docket at Midrand Police Station for reckless and negligent driving against the motorist.”

On 3 October, Netcare reported on their Facebook Page that paramedics responded to a motorcycle and vehicle collision at the intersection of Woodmead Drive and Dutchey Road in Barbeque Downs, Kyalami. The post read, ‘Medics found that the driver of the motorcycle had sustained moderate injuries and was treated on the scene by an advanced life support paramedic. Once stabilised, the patient was transported to a hospital.’

Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst shared the following safety tips for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians:

Safety tips for cyclists and motorcyclists

• Use pedal cycle lanes where available.
• Keep close to the left edge of the roadway.
• Obey traffic signs and signals.
• Ride with traffic, not against it.
• Watch out for the opening of car doors in your path
• Be visible, wear bright coloured clothes in the daytime and reflective clothing at night.
• Fit and use effective front and rear lights when riding in hours of darkness and when visibility is limited.
• Use hand signals when turning or changing lanes.
• Be aware of hazardous road conditions.
• Be aware of other road users, especially at intersections.
• Ride in a straight line.
• Wear a helmet that fits properly, don’t wear headphones.

Safety tips for pedestrians

• Wear bright coloured clothing and reflective materials.
• Cross in a well-lit area at night.
• Be seen, stand clear from buses or parked cars before crossing the road.
• Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic.
• Don’t drink and cross the road.
• Don’t cross where a road bends or leads to a sharp curve.
• Don’t rely on pedestrian signals; look for oncoming traffic before crossing.
• Be aware of other road users, especially at intersections.
• Don’t wear headphones or talk on your cellphone while crossing the road.
• Cross at pedestrian crossings.
• Always obey traffic signals.
• Wait for buses or heavy motor vehicles to pass before crossing the road.