Teams from the SA National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) have begun constructing speed humps in accident-prone areas along the N1 road in Musina. This initiative aims to address the concerns raised by workers, learners, and pedestrians from Skoonplaas and other nearby areas who have been using the N1 zebra crossing from Nancefield to Skoonplaas. The crossing has been known to be dangerous, with motorists frequently failing to slow down, resulting in numerous pedestrian fatalities.
The pedestrian crossing at Skoonplaas, according to Musina residents, has been particularly deadly. In 2021, a young child lost her life after being struck by a speeding motorist while crossing the road with her mother. The family had to wait for hours before an ambulance arrived, and although the mother was rushed to hospital, the child did not survive. In a similar incident last month, a woman was also run over at the same location and is currently recovering from her injuries.
Musina residents appealed to both the Musina Local Municipality and SANRAL to address the issue by installing speed humps at the dangerous pedestrian crossings along the N1. Mr. Peter Jack, the chairperson of Musina to the Front, expressed satisfaction that SANRAL has responded to their concerns and is actively working on erecting speed humps to enhance the safety of residents. He also urged the local traffic department to conduct a roadshow to raise awareness among motorists and pedestrians about traffic rules.