Accident at Willem Postma Primary School in Bloemfontein
The past few weeks we have seen an increase in the number of emails from parents concerned with speedsters and other irresponsible drivers putting the lives of school children at risk. On Friday I was in close proximity to a crash just outside Willem Postma primary school in Bloemfontein. The elderly driver claimed that he was driving less than the legal speed limit, something which is rather difficult to believe at witnessing the damage done to a tree outside the school!
We have also received several emails from residents in other provinces and would like to share some examples:
Example 1
“I stay in Heuweloord, Centurion.
On the corner of Springbark and Tallow Wood, Heuweloord is a 3 way stop, and most of the people DO NOT STOP at this stop street. I stay close to this stop street, and because of people ignoring the stop sign I have to also double check for people ignoring the stop street.
I would like to suggest to change the stopstreet to a SPEEDBUMP and would appreciate if you could investigate.”
Example 2:
“I want to enquire regarding the speed limit in a suburban area. I have had on-going problems with a neighbour speeding down the road, which is situated right next to a children’s playground. This driver was speeding again yesterday and knocked over my cat, which is now in a critical condition. I want to take the matter further, but this person claims that 60kph is an acceptable speed to drive up a very quiet suburban street. Is this correct?”
This last query was forwarded to the Western Cape and a response received:
Thanks for the information. I will give a more comprehensive answer in due course and have the matter looked into.
I would however need to know the street and suburb you are referring to, please.
The general speed limit for urban areas is 60 kph, however that never implies that it is the maximum speed that one should drive at. The circumstances and conditions must always be considered. Specifically where children, pedestrians and animals are concerned.
Best wishes
David V Frost
Programme Manager: Safely Home
Advice
On the Arrive Alive website we have made available content on Traffic Calming, Speed Calming and Road Safety. This offers some insights to the importance of managing speed and the measures to be implemented in high risk areas.
We have also shared the contact details of SA Speedbumps, a company developing and manufacturing equipment used for traffic calming.
We would like to advise that parents discuss with their school committee and governing bodies the risks around their schools and to approach their municipal authorities with some suggestions to enforce reduced speeds around schools!
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