The R25 has claimed lives of many
These accidents are attributed to reckless driving, missing or faded road signs and markings, and poorly placed road signs on this provincial route that connects Johannesburg with Groblersdal via Kempton Park, Bapsfontein and Bronkhorstspruit.
Accidents on the R25 have claimed the lives of many over the years, with the death toll skyrocketing over the past few weeks.
The general consensus is that these accidents are caused by reckless driving, missing or faded road signs and markings, and poorly placed road signs on this provincial route that connects Johannesburg with Groblersdal via Kempton Park, Bapsfontein and Bronkhorstspruit.
Jill Watson, a first responder, headed up a Facebook page called R25 Bapsfontein to Bronkhorspruit – Accidents and Conditions of Road, dedicated solely to incidents and accidents on the R25. She moved into the Welbekend area in 2004, and hardly a weekend has gone by without an accident.
Although there are no official statistics as proof, Watson has tried to keep a record of the accidents. According to her, more than 400 accidents can happen within a year on this road, of which many are fatal.
Head-on collisions often happen when someone travels the wrong way down a one-way street or an exit ramp or when they cross the median on the highway.
“Accidents are mainly caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving and aggressive driving.”
Watson pointed out that the hot spots for accidents on the 40km stretch between Bapsfontein and Bronkhorstspruit include the R25/R50 intersection, R25/M30 intersection, R25 Welbekendkop and the Nest Park entrance.
“The Van Riebeek road crossing on the R25 has also claimed many lives as the speed limit of 80km per hour is seldom adhered to and the road is also often closed as a result of dense fog, which makes it very dangerous for commuters who go to and from work on a daily basis.”
Agricultural vehicles are often seen on the R25 slowing down traffic, there are no lights at night, which makes for poor visibility very poor.
“The signs on the road are poorly placed and sometimes motorists get confused, especially where there’s a double line on one side of the road,” said Watson.
“Each accident leaves an impact on our community. Many people who die in these accidents are from around here. The trauma on the response teams is huge,” explained Watson.
Visible policing by Metro and Gautrans on the road will make the road safer, along with speed cameras according to Watson.
“This will also curb the use of unroadworthy vehicles on the R25. The flooding of the road is also a problem, especially in the low-lying areas and can cause serious accidents.”
Watson also warns motorists to beware of hijacking hotspots along the R25 in Bapsfontein and the R21/R25 crossing in Bronkhorstspruit.
A petition has also been set up for the R25 in which residents of the City of Tshwane can pay better attention and make the road safer for road users.
Former ward councillor Pieter Henning said, “The residents of Ward 25 herewith petitioned the MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale Tlabela, to establish a four-way stop on the provincial road between Bapsfontein and Bronkhorstspruit at the Nest Park entrance. They must also install rumble strips to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents.
“The government has turned down every petition requesting a traffic light at Nest Park’s entrance, due to the road being so busy.”
