Death toll rises at Adullam turn off on Evander road

Erect stop streets and reduce the speed limit are suggestions to curb road accidents on the R546

November 1, 2018

Arisja Misselhorn 3 minutes read

A woman was critically injured in an accident involving a Chevrolet Spark, a Toyota Hilux and a truck on Friday afternoon, 26 October. She later died at hospital.

EVANDER – Some believe the road is cursed. Others blame selfish drivers for the many accidents and rising death toll on the R546 road between Evander and eMbalenhle.

Everyone however, agree that something drastic needs to be done, especially at the turnoff to Adullam and Brendan Village.

The newspaper reported on accidents in which 10 people died in the last two months at this specific turn off.

This excludes the numerous accidents on or near this spot where people sustained injuries, such as the incident where paramedics of ER24 were tending to accident victims when a speeding motorist crashed into them.

Mr Christiaan du Toit was seriously injured on this scene, only hours after six people, including a baby, died on 22 September at this turnoff.

A BMW crashed into the vehicles of Stratcon Risk and ER24 on an accident scene on Saturday night.

Their car ended up under the wheels of a coal truck.

A woman was critically injured in an accident involving a Chevrolet Spark, a Toyota Hilux and a truck on Friday afternoon, 26 October. She later died at hospital.

Three more people, including a small child, died on Saturday, 27 October. This accident too involved a truck and two cars.

Other deaths were also reported earlier this year, including the one in which several school kids were seriously injured and a primary school boy died in May.

Readers’ comments on social media have one thing in common: something needs to be done!

Ms Nomhlekhabo Mgidi said: “That road has an evil spirit. It needs a prayer, especially that Adullam spot.”

The newspaper reported on accidents in which 10 people died in the last two months at this specific turnoff

Ms Palesa Mofokeng agreed that serious prayers are needed for that road.

Mr Ronnie Nelson said: ” I am in this area from 1973 and it was never like this. You never see traffic officers around, so the people take chances.” He said motorists who are on their phones, who are drunk and those who have no respect for other road users are the main culprits.

Mr Renier de Beer believes the traffic department can make money by enforcing the traffic laws on this road.

Mr Musa Mthombeni elaborated on the structure of the road and the turn off point. He advised other motorists to follow his example at this spot.

“When I come from Evander, turning right towards Adullam, I flash my indicator at least 300m before I turn. Remember, there is no stop sign, only a painted island.

“By indicating early, the drivers following me will see that I am reducing speed and will possibly be stopping. This tells them to prepare to overtake on the left.”

The newspaper also asked comment from several emergency workers.

Sgt Sibusiso Mbuli, spokesman for Evander Police, said the problem with this road is that motorists do not stop at slipways or yield signs, especially at night.

“I think there is a big need to change several intersections and T-junctions into stop streets, such as the Adullam turnoff, the T-junction with the Secunda road and the intersection to Walker Park Golf Course and the industrial area.

“Then there should also be speed bumps erected,” said Sgt Mbuli.

Mr Alf Byleveldt from Jelani Security was at the scene of most of these accidents, also spoke from the view of a former traffic officer.

“The slipway was incorrectly designed when the road was expanded, and must be re-evaluated. Further more, I believe the speed limit must be reduced and selective law enforcement must be implemented.”

Chaplain Brad Blake is of the opinion that the speed limit must be drastically reduced at that spot.

He goes out to many accidents in the area. “I think motorists in general should be more careful. Many of the accidents at weekends involve reckless driving and alcohol consumption.”

Mr Jaco Horn from GTR towing services said the traffic flow from Evander to eMbalenhle is the biggest problem at the Adullam turnoff.

“I have spoken to people from the national traffic authorities to find a solution. I suggest that the provincial department change all the intersections between the Secunda turnoff and the Graceland road to stop streets where motorists will have no other choice but to slow down and stop.”