There’s a bit of a joke nowadays in South Africa to do with our pot-holed roads and drunk driving.
It goes like this: “How do you know if someone is driving under the influence of alcohol (or other mind-altering substances)?”
The answer is: “They’re driving in a straight line!”
Jokes aside, our roads are in less than spectacular condition, and I know some would suggest that we be grateful for what we do have, but some potholes really do require attention.
There are two which I currently have to dodge on my regular route to and from work and school. I’m sure there are many others our readers know well.
There’s a third on the way to Southport, but it’s more like an erosion encroachment than a pothole.
Anyway, the two nasty fellows previously mentioned are situated on the stretch of road between the Mzimkhulu river bridge and the turn off to the Port Shepstone Country Club.
I know I have moaned about this in the past. I’m not sure if they have a habit of growing back or quite what the problem is.
There is a monster hole in the northbound lane. It’s big and wide and deep.
It looks like someone may have recently tossed some gravel into it but if you drive through and/or over it I suspect your vehicle’s suspension is going to take a hammering, never mind the tyres and rims.
However, the fact that it’s huge does help motorists in that they can see it to avoid it. Usually.
A little further ahead is a sneaky, vicious hole, small but deep. Much harder to spot easily.
This is the type that can catch you going a bit faster as it’s on the incline and can arguably cause even more damage.
What makes this all the more dangerous is how motorists drive on our roads.
I know I have moaned about it in the past but seriously, why the insane hurry to risk your life on a blind overtake, or across a bridge.
Admittedly, I’m a slow, conservative driver, but the way some people carry on it’s like they have a death wish.
Please slow down. We’ll meet up at the traffic lights anyway.
Speaking of the ‘robots’, they’re another reason to take it easy.
The other day I stopped at three in a row. The first was blinking amber and red at the same time.
The second was not working at all. And the third did not even exist, having been obliterated by a truck or some other beastly vehicle going at speed.
Please remember to always treat these intersections as four-way stops, and be alert to drivers who ignore this rule and ‘put foot’ straight through, regardless of threat to life or limb.
EDITOR’S NOTE: In typical Murphy fashion, the offending potholes were filled before this column was even published. Thanks to the powers-that-be for the repair.
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