By Kaya 959 News
An eight-month-old baby was among several people wounded in various road crashes in Gauteng this past weekend.
In Boksburg , three people were seriously wounded following a crash between a taxi and a truck on Commissioner Street.
ER24’s Ineke van Huyssteen said just after 1:30pm on Saturday, paramedics arrived at the scene to find two passengers entrapped in the mangled taxi wreckage.
At least eight more passengers were also injured.
She said officials from the fire department used the Jaws of Life to extricate the passengers.
“ER24, as well as GPG, treated the patients at the scene before transporting them to various hospitals for further medical care,” van Huyssteen said.
A seriously injured passenger was airlifted to hospital on Sunday following a taxi crash at the corners of Hill and Fern roads in Randburg.
Van Huyssteen said three occupants were found entrapped in the front of the taxi.
“ER24 Rescue as well as Fire Ops had to extricate the patients using the Jaws of Life. The three patients had sustained serious injuries. Two others were also found to have sustained serious injuries,” she said.
Seven patients had sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. ER24, as well as various other medical services at the scene, treated the patients before transporting them to hospital for further medical care.
READ:Gauteng Traffic Police warn motorists against criminals placing spikes on public roads
Biker killed in Silverton
Later in Silverton, a biker was killed when he fell over a barrier.
“When ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene, they found the biker lying on the road next to the barrier. Upon further assessment, the man was found to have sustained fatal injuries. Unfortunately, nothing could be done for him and he was declared dead at the scene by paramedics,” she said.
And in Wilropark, an infant girl was critically injured in a two-vehicle crash.
Two more people were also injured.
Van Huyssteen said when ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene, they found a baby girl still inside one of the vehicles.
“Upon further assessment, it was found that she had sustained critical injuries. Paramedics immediately initiated advanced life support interventions before transporting her to hospital for further medical care,” she said.
Two patients were found walking around at the scene, they had sustained minor injuries. The patients were treated at the scene before being transported to hospital for further medical care.
10 Safety driving tips:
1. Be alert – If we think of rules as guidelines, rather than strict commands, we know when they are and aren’t applicable. Always allow yourself the flexibility to choose the most appropriate response to any challenge faced.
2. It’s all about you – Remember, it’s not just about the vehicle. Be aware of your environment, the type of car, and the specific skills required. Perfect your concentration and awareness when behind the wheel, and your skills will fall in line.
3. Control your fear – It’s instinctive for us to let fear take control when we meet a challenge on the road. However, building the right beliefs about driving confidence will allow logic and good practice to dominate any challenges.
4. Safety is a skill – There are 3 types of driver: those who have their own crashes, those who get involved in other peoples crashes, and people who simply don’t have them. ‘Good’ drivers can still crash – it’s more important to be safe.
5. Don’t distract yourself – Make use of your surroundings. Don’t just listen to the radio and keep an eye out for speed cameras – look ahead for potential hazards and they won’t catch you by surprise.
6. Expect the unexpected – A better overall understanding of the road means that you will be able to spot precursor events leading to a potential accident. Always remember that a crash doesn’t have to be inevitable.
7. Take it slowly – Fast driving belongs on the racetrack. Travelling at an easy, sensible pace gives you plenty of time and distance to respond to anything you may encounter.
8. Get to grips with your steering – Most people don’t pay enough attention to their steering. If a car begins to lose control, the steering wheel is both the first place you’ll feel it and the best tool for responding to it.
9. Be a smooth operator – Handle your steering and brakes with care. Steer firmly but gradually, avoiding harsh movements. An increased awareness means that you can brake earlier, and with a smoother motion.
10. Know your limits – Without completing an advanced driving course, there’s only so much you can know. It’s important to understand the limits of your skills as a driver, and knowing not to push them.
