Yesterday (3 September) at around 15:00 a taxi travelling on the N1 north just before the Samrand off ramp collided with the rear end of a stationary truck in the emergency lane. “Unfortunately the taxi driver and a passenger were killed as a result of the collision. Three other passengers were critical injured and 11 others had light to moderate injuries,” reports Terence Teixeira from the Matrix Road Safety Association who arrived on the scene.
According to Teixeira it is alleged that the taxi driver swerved to avoid a vehicle in the far left lane, and moved into the emergency lane where he collided with the cargo truck. The driver of the truck was changing a front wheel at the time. “The taxi hit the trailer part of the truck on the left outer edge shearing off the roof and right side of the taxi.”
Emer-G-Med response teams arrived on scene to attend to the injured. Patient injuries ranged from isolated head injuries, poly-trauma injuries to light cuts and abrasions.
“The Tshwane Emergency Services promptly arrived on the scene to manage the situation and two helicopters were dispatched to evacuate two of the critically-injured patients. The Matrix Road Safety Association response vehicle arrived on scene and the on board Emer-G-med medic assisted fellow medics in assessing and treating the injured,” reports Teixeira.
The accident is being investigated by the Tshwane Metro Police.
“Accidents of this nature are devastating. Weekly there are deaths on our roads because of reckless driving and negligence. By adhering to road rules and speed limits we can all do our part to drive the number of accidents down. Slow down on highways, don’t take unnecessary risks when overtaking and remember that the emergency lane is for emergencies. If you need to stop in the emergency lane make sure that your hazards are on and set up your reflective triangle a good distance from your vehicle,” urges Teixeira.
For more information on the Matrix Road Safety Association visit www.matrix.co.za.
