Poor visibility due to a veld fire results in ten car pile-up between Evander and eMbalenhle
“If you are caught in a fire, reduce your speed as visibility will be severely affected.”
EVANDER – Authorities warned motorists to drive with caution when travelling through thick smoke or fog.
A car that was stationary in the road due to thick smoke from a veld fire was rear-ended by nine other cars between Evander and eMbalenhle on the Standerton road Sunday, 3 June. This vehicle caught fire.
According to Mr Jaco Horn from GTR towing services, only one person sustained injuries in this pile-up. He said people can join the Zello group Secunda 911 Assist 24/7 for updates on veld fires in the area.
Mr Alf Byleveld from Jelani Security, who is also a former firefighter, said it is the season of veld fires and motorists should beware the risks.
It is also the time of the year when fog is extremely dense and many accidents occur.
“If you are caught in a fire, reduce your speed as visibility will be severely affected.”
According to the Arrive Alive web page, one should always drive with the car’s headlights on in situations where smoke or fog affects your visibility, but also switch on your emergency lights.
If the smoke is extremely thick, do not attempt to drive through it. You risk colliding with other vehicles doing the same or risk driving off the road into the fire. Rather safely turn around and find another route.
Do not exit your car. Your car is the safest place to be if you are caught in a fire as it provides the most protection from heat and smoke.
Unlike portrayals in the movies, the petrol tank is unlikely to explode from the heat of a veld fire.
Stay low in your car and keep the windows and vents closed while you wait for the fire to pass.
If, once the fire has passed, the smoke and heat in the car is too extreme, get out and move to an area which is already burnt, ideally keeping your body covered.
Give emergency vehicles priority on the roads and listen to their instructions. They have the most experience and will get you safely out of a veld fire.
If you need to stop, find a clearing or a section of the roadside which has low vegetation. Turn your ignition off and lights on.
Arrive Alive said the police, traffic officials and fire fighters do their best to avert the dangers of veld fires and to protect the public and motorists from these dangers. It is important that motorists obey and pay close attention to these officials.
