No such thing as a deadly road - just stupid drivers

There was a news item in the Cape Town print media recently that told us 'N1 is city's deadliest road, with the N2 close behind'. Apart from the grating English and unnecessary comma, that's a load of twaddle.

There is no such thing as a "deadly road", only stupid drivers. The N1 out of Cape Town is a magnificent highway with long slip roads, excellent markings and good lighting. Without stupid drivers, there wouldn't be any accidents.

That there were 31 deaths, 46 "serious accidents" and 399 "slight accidents" on that road in 2005 (slow counters, the Kaapies) tells us much about the inability of South African drivers to overtake properly, to travel at a speed suitable to the traffic conditions and to show courtesy on the road.

It should also tell the authorities that speed cameras are useless and that we need traffic cops out of the bushes and camera control centres and back on the roads.

Nothing tames the louts who terrorise our roads more than cruising patrol cars. Nothing will reduce the road carnage but their return, in numbers, and with well-paid, well-equipped, crews on board. - The Editor