By Mapaballo Borotho
- The City of Johannesburg has warned of high pedestrian accident zones ahead of the long weekend.
- Authorities have identified parts of the N12 and M1 as particularly dangerous and are urging caution.
- The JMPD says increased enforcement will be deployed to prevent further fatalities.
The City of Johannesburg has identified several high-accident zones and is urging residents to take precaution as the long weekend approaches.
The city also raised an alarm over the rate of pedestrian fatalities on the roads, prompting an urgent appeal from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) for both motorists and pedestrians to prioritise road safety.
“We note with encouragement that the total number of road fatalities has shown a steady decline over the past few years, but the persistence of these deaths remains a grave concern. One life lost is one too many, and pedestrian fatalities continue to account for a disproportionate number of preventable tragedies in our city,” said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.
The following areas have been identified as high-accident zones for pedestrians, and the public is urged to take extra care, especially when attempting to cross high-speed freeways:
- N12 Freeway (Eldorado Park stretch): A critical area where illegal pedestrian crossings frequently lead to fatal collisions.
- M1 Freeway (Booysens area): High-speed traffic combined with foot traffic near off-ramps creates a dangerous environment.
To avoid road fatalities, pedestrians have been urged to:
- Stay off the freeways: It is both illegal and extremely dangerous to walk on or cross freeways like the N12 and M1, as vehicles travelling at high speeds cannot stop instantly.
- Use designated crossings: Always utilise pedestrian bridges, even if it requires walking a longer distance.
- Be visible: When walking near roads at night or in low light, wear bright or reflective clothing so motorists can see you.
- Avoid distractions and impairment: Do not walk near traffic while under the influence of alcohol, and avoid using headphones or mobile phones while crossing.
“The JMPD will not be passive. To prevent further loss of life, we are deploying a heightened law enforcement presence in these identified hotspots throughout the long weekend,” Fihla added.
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