A 49-year-old woman lost her life in an accident on the road between Saldanha and Langebaan, the MR559, yesterday (Thursday, 27 November) around 17:25.
More people were injured in this accident, as well as in four other accidents in the Saldanha Bay area on the same day.
Freddah Khoza died at the scene of the accident near the Curro Private School. According to Capt Tania Helfrich, district spokesperson for the West Coast Police, Khoza was the driver of a white BMW.
There was a collision between his BMW and a grey Mercedes-Benz. The accident is under investigation.
According to Elowayne Gouws, owner of West Coast Medical Rescue, the first accident of the day occurred on the same road, but near SFF. A white Polo was involved.
Then an accident occurred on the Paternoster Road, followed by an accident at the BP garage on Velddrif Road.
Emergency services and other emergency personnel then had to rush to the fourth motor vehicle accident at the notorious intersection at the Weskuspad (R27) and road between Hopefield and Vredenburg (R45).
Khoza dies in the fifth accident of the day.
A year ago, a man also died on the Saldanha-Langebaan road around the same time.
Black Friday weekend ahead
Not that there is anything to suggest that any of the mentioned accidents were related to alcohol, motorists should be vigilant this weekend, with all the Black Friday liquor specials.
Be cautious of drunken drivers on our roads. Here are common signs a driver may be impaired by alcohol:
*Swerving or poor lane control
This may include drifting from side to side, weaving within their lane, crossing lane lines or driving on the shoulder or overcorrecting after drifting.
*Inconsistent or erratic speed
A drunk driver may drive much slower than the speed limit, suddenly accelerate or brake for no reason or not be able to maintain a steady speed.
*Delayed or incorrect responses
Look out for a motorist in front of or alongside your vehicle that shows slow reaction to traffic signals, sits at a green light without moving or suddenly stops for green lights or clear intersections. Keep your distance.
*Wide or strangely executed turns
If someone turns with an unusually wide radius, nearly hits a curb or drifts into another lane while turning, or turns abruptly or without signalling, keep as far away as possible.
*Poor judgment or risky behaviour
Tailgating for no reason, passing illegally or dangerously, cutting off other drivers or driving without headlights at night can also indicate a drunk driver behind the wheel.
If you think a driver is highly intoxicated and poses a risk to other drivers, stay far behind them and do not try to pass or confront them.
Pull over safely and call 022 701 6834.
Provide the vehicle description, license plate (if possible to attain), direction of travel and location. Do not attempt to stop the driver yourself.
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