Motorbike collisions a concern

ER24 is urging all road users to be cautious.

In a matter of just a few weeks several bikers have either sustained serious, critical or fatal injuries.
With the aim of bringing about awareness and urging all road users to be careful, ER24 spoke to Etienne Smit (34), a professional photographer who became a quadriplegic following a collision.

Smit sustained severe injuries when a bakkie swerved into oncoming traffic, in an attempt to avoid colliding with the vehicle in front of him, and collided head on with his (Smit’s) motorbike on Malibongwe Drive in Randburg earlier this year. According to his family, Smit was unconscious at the scene and they were only notified of the incident four hours later as his phone was broken and he could not be identified.

Smit, a Roodekrans resident, was transported to hospital for urgent medical attention. He underwent several surgeries due to the extent of injuries sustained to his neck and back. He was in the intensive care unit for 42 days.

Due to the damage caused, Smit had to undergo extensive rehabilitation.

He was at a rehabilitation unit for two and a half months following the collision. Smit, who is now taken to a rehab facility three times a week and receives rehab at home twice a week, said he has seen some improvement. He can now move his hands and legs slightly. He hopes to regain the strength needed to be able to stand and walk again soon.

“I am getting stronger but still have a long road of recovery ahead. I have to learn to do things again. I am in a wheelchair and dependent on others to assist me with daily caring and tasks. I am angry but thankful. Being in a wheelchair and losing your independence is not easy to accept. As one can expect, the family was shocked following the incident but were very supportive. I have amazing support from my wife, parents, family and friends,” he said.

Not only did the incident result in emotional and physical challenges for Smit but the financial implications for him and his family have caused more strain.

To help, The Institute of Waste Management, the company that Smit’s mother works for, held a fundraiser. A well supported show was held for him at The Barnyard Theatre.

ER24 sponsored Smit’s transport to the show as he was not able to be transported in a car at the time.

Smit, who is now working towards getting his life back to normal again, urged people to have respect for other road users and to be alert and aware of traffic at all times.

From January 1 to date, ER24 has attended to just over 1 100 collisions involving motorbikes.

Recent incidents with fatalities include that of:

• A biker who sustained fatal injuries in a collision with a bakkie in Cresta on August 11. Paramedics assessed the man and found that he sustained multiple severe injuries.
• A biker who died on July 31 following a collision with a vehicle a few kilometres outside Tzaneen. He was assessed and found to have sustained multiple severe injuries.
• A biker and pedestrian who were killed in a collision in Muldersdrift on July 2. Paramedics assessed the pedestrian and found that he had succumbed to his multiple fatal injuries. The biker showed no signs of life. It is understood that the pedestrian failed to notice the oncoming motorbike while he was crossing the road.

Below are some tips for road users:

• Do not speed. Slow down or alter your speed according to the environment you are in.
• Keep a safe following distance.
• Do not be impatient.
• Refrain from skipping stop signs and red traffic lights. Be cautious when changing lanes.
• Do not drive or ride while under the influence of liquor or drugs.
• Do not allow yourself to become distracted.
• Be calm while on the road. Avoid road rage.
• Indicators are there for a reason. Use them.
• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and conduct regular safety inspections.
• Bikers and cyclists must wear approved protective gear. Also wear reflective or highly visible clothing.
• Bikers are urged to have some sort of identification or family contact details with them in case of an emergency.

ER24’s Emergency Contact Centre can be reached 24 hours a day on 084 124 for any medical emergency.