In South Africa we come across many animals on the road. It is mostly the larger antelope like kudu with the ability to jump fences that pose a significant threat. You will find road signs in the Karoo warning against drivers to be alert to these animals next to the road. I have also recently photographed road signs warning of tortoises near Oudtshoorn.
I was amazed to find that there has even recently been an accident with a hippo near Nelspruit!
It was reported in Citizen that a taxi driver had his leg badly fractured after his vehicle hit a hippo on Monday at about 11pm. He was trapped for about an hour in the crushed front section of the vehicle and was taken to Rob Ferreira Hospital once he was freed from the wreckage, in which his right leg was broken. None of the remaining 12 passengers sustained injury.
According to Luke Martin, chief of Emergency Medical Services, the driver, who had been driving to Nelspruit, lost control after hitting the hippo which had been crossing the road and swerved across the road before colliding with a tree. The hippo died on impact.
Anita Heyl, spokesman for Trans African Concessions, said it was the fourth accident involving a hippo on the N4 in the past seven years and advised motorists to be vigilant.
What can we do to be extra vigilant?
There are a few suggestions that could assist in protecting motorists:
• Take special care near animal crossing warning signs or signs warning of the absence of fences. The signs are there for a reason.
• Minimize your distractions from passengers, food, and accessories like cell phones. If your full attention is on the road, you’ll be more likely to spot approaching animals with your peripheral vision.
• Get in the habit of scanning the roadside as you drive.
• Vigilance is the first and best defense, especially when driving on unfamiliar rural roads. Ask passengers to help by scanning both sides of the roadway.
• If you see one animal, expect that there are others nearby.
• Use your high beams whenever possible. They will give you more time to spot and react to animals in the road.
• Always obey the speed limit and wear safety belts
• To protect themselves, defensive drivers adapt their speed to conditions and keep alert for wildlife.
• Slowing down a little gives you and the animal more time to react – Be especially cautious at night
For more safety suggestions visit the Arrive Alive website: