What is very evident from the road accident statistics is the alarming number of pedestrian-involved incidents.
In our country, pedestrians are a way of life and most of these pedestrians travel long distances by foot. We need to acknowledge this fact as our public transport systems are not sufficient, nor efficient enough to provide safe and reliable transport.
I have often wondered why when new roads are built, or existing roads upgraded, why a simple foot path is not specified to be built alongside the existing or new road. separated from the road by a standard crash-barrier, this footpath could be built by the local communities in the area with little or no skill required to lay the pavers.
With a little more effort, a cycling lane could also be incorporated.
Pedestrian bridges would also need to be built at regular intervals, so there would be no excuse for pedestrians crossing roads at any other point. A standard, modular bridge could be designed, (not like our current pedestrian bridges, which seem to be entrants into an architectural or structural engineering competition!) in such a way that they could be manufactured centrally and simply installed on constructed foundations. This approach may be a little utilitarian, but would reduce costs and save lives.
So, a possibly simple solution to a major problem, which also has the potential for job creation.
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
