Dear Editor,
It is sad to see such a horrific accident on the Linden Highway causing many lost lives.
However, there is a simple solution to this problem and it’s all about the markings on the highway and observation and enforcing of the traffic laws.
On various sections of a divided highway, there should be a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line at the centre of the highway such as the illustration below.
====> Flow of traffic (pass only when opposing traffic is
clear)
——————–
________________
<==== Flow of traffic (cannot cross the median)
If a vehicle is heading in the direction of the solid yellow line, then that vehicle is not allowed to overtake other vehicles. On the other hand, the opposing traffic is allowed to pass other vehicles as long as the opposing traffic is clear and a broken yellow line running in parallel of that vehicle is present. Also, no vehicle is allowed to pass another when going up a hidden intersection or ramp. There should be a solid median line at such locations.
This is how the highways are designed in North America. By adhering to these simple rules of the road, many accidents could be avoided. I hope that the Ministry of Transport could look at how some of the highways are designed overseas and derive better ways for the safety or our roads.
Yours faithfully,
Abdool Rahman