The number of fatal accidents on the R23 between Standerton and Volksrust this year has become a growing concern for emergency responders and road users.

The route has gained a reputation for serious crashes, many of which have claimed multiple lives over the years.

This year alone, a head-on collision on July 13 claimed the lives of five people, and four women died in an accident on April 23.

Reckless and negligent driving, impatience and failure to obey the rules of the road are believed to be among the main contributing factors to these deadly accidents on a route known for its blind spots and long stretches of white solid middle lines.

Impatience and blind spots
According to PJ Nel, owner of Standerton All Star Towing, many motorists involved in fatal accidents appear to be travelling from the Johannesburg side and may be unfamiliar with the narrow and winding section of the R23.

“A lot of people die on this road because of the blind spots. Motorists are overtaking on these blind spots,” said Nel.

While widening the road could improve safety, Nel believes motorists also need to exercise greater patience and obey the rules of the road, particularly when overtaking. He praised traffic officials and first responders for their efforts to improve road safety.

“There are speed traps, and traffic officials stop motorists for overtaking on blind rises and in no-overtaking zones, as well as for failing to obey the rules of the road.

“Roadblocks are also set up on the main routes leading out of Standerton. However, we must understand that traffic officials cannot be on the roads 24 hours a day,” said Nel.

Nel added that another alarming trend is the behaviour of motorists approaching active accident scenes, where emergency personnel are often placed at risk.

“Motorists do not slow down. Even when there are traffic officials and police vehicles with blue lights, they do not care. People do not abide by the rules. Just be patient. Do not overtake if it is not safe to do so.”

He added that many of the crashes involving multiple fatalities are the result of a single driver’s poor decision.

“People overtake and cause the deaths of other people,” said Nel.

“Many people are losing their lives because of one poor decision. Think of the other people using the road. It is not nice to see so many fatalities. Think of the families.”

He believes additional reflective road markers could help motorists remain in their lanes during periods of poor visibility.

Nel also advised motorists travelling on the R23 during heavy mist to consider travelling in a convoy while maintaining a safe following distance.

“Especially at this time of year, when visibility is poor, motorists need to slow down, keep a safe distance and avoid unnecessary overtaking,” said Nel.

A ripple effect
The lives of Chantel Swart and her family were irreversibly changed in a head-on collision on the R23 on July 8, 2022.

They were six people in their vehicle, five of whom survived the accident, but are still experiencing the aftermath of that day.

Swart sustained multiple injuries to her legs, hips and collarbone and has since undergone seven operations. She has also lost hearing in her right ear.

This single mother of four could not work for almost two years after the accident. Her youngest daughter, Zimoné’s back was broken, and she sustained head trauma, leaving her with permanent brain damage.

She had to learn to walk again, and the brain injury caused a total change in personality.
Daughter Zuanè sustained injuries to her leg and face.

This accident also ripped away Swart’s life partner, Brian van der Schyff, who died on the scene. His daughter Bianca broke an arm and leg, and her friend, Ewert’s back was broken. The driver of the other vehicle also died on the scene, and his passenger died in hospital.

“Our future was torn away that day. I still have not driven on that road again. It was traumatic to be lying in the road and struggling to get to my injured children.”

She attributes the majority of the accidents weekly reported on a watch group to negligence and impatience as people hurry to get to the next town.

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Provincial intervention
MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, said the number of fatal crashes on the R23 is a huge concern.

“This stretch of road is becoming a death trap, and it means we must do more to enforce the law on the R23 and other problematic routes.

“Motorists must also play their part by driving safely and obeying the rules of the road,” said Macie.

“We continue to advocate for harsher sentences for reckless driving behaviour. Punishing offenders will prevent needless loss of life and make our roads safer.”