Beware of the deadly Bloemfontein intersection!

Why do we find so many money-earning fixed speed cameras on beautiful wide road surfaces – and we often struggle so much to have traffic lights installed at our “intersections of death”? Having read a story in the Saturday edition of Volksblad, I decided to share some light on one of the most dangerous intersections in South Africa. I have experienced the dangers and frustrations personally as my place of residence is exactly 1.3km from the intersection and on route to the office!

But why do we say that this is such a threat to road safety?

I would like to quote a few of the points raised in the story written by Lorraine Kalp:

• The intersection is located in Langenhovenpark at the crossing of Du Plessis Drive and the R64 [Road between Dealesville and Bloemfontein]
• The residential area to the side of Du Plessis Drive is densely populated with townhouses and also hosts the Pretty Gardens Shopping Centre.
• Thousands of residents have to drive on the R64 daily to cross the N1 on their way to the city and places of employment.
• Du Plessis Drive is one of 3 exits from Langenhovenpark.
• The recent opening of the Fruit & Veg City to the Northern Side has made it even more difficult for those attempting to cross this intersection.
• This intersection has 2 stop signs from where drivers have to navigate across several lanes of traffic and vehicles approaching at 80km/h from the sides!

But what do the facts and statistics tell us?

• More than 20 accidents at this intersection have been reported to the nearby Bainsvlei Police station recently.
• These accidents tend to be very serious as vehicles from the east and west approach at a speed limit of 80km/h – and are often exceeding this speed limit.
• Vehicles coming from Dealesville often fail to reduce their speeds from 100km/h to 80km/h, whilst vehicles approaching from Bloemfontein [N1] are increasing speeds as they go down the long and wide straight stretch of road exiting the city.
• Emergency rescue services and tow truck operators have confirmed that this intersection is one of the most dangerous locations to where they are often called to assist.

But why are there only 2 stop signs and no traffic lights? The Volksblad reports that there has been much dispute as to who is responsible for the traffic lights at this intersection. It is also reported that funding has been made available and one more signature is required from someone to authorize the erection of the much needed traffic lights!

I can personally testify that I would visit the Fruit and Veg City more regularly if only I felt a bit safer crossing the road to this business. At the moment it feels a bit like a lottery crossing the road – and I try to avoid this intersection at busy times.

What will it take to instil in the minds of the authorities the urgency to erect traffic lights? Would it perhaps be the death of some well known politician? We can only pray that the need for safety be addressed as a matter of urgency at this intersection – and that this be done before someone has to lose another life!!

We will also share this with the experts at the Road Traffic Management Corporation[RTMC].