The deteriorating road network in the North West District is emerging as a major road safety concern, with police warning that motorists attempting to dodge potholes are increasingly causing serious crashes.
Maun Police Acting Station Commander, Assistant Superintendent Moutlwatsi Ikobeng, has said damaged roads were contributing to collisions as drivers focused on avoiding potholes instead of other road users.
Speaking in an interview, Ikobeng said one of the most common and dangerous mistakes motorists make is swerving into oncoming traffic without first ensuring it is safe to do so.
“A driver should never move into another lane simply to avoid a pothole. The safest option is to reduce speed or come to a complete stop if necessary, allow other vehicles to pass and only proceed when it is safe,” he said.
His warning follows a recent collision on the Maun–Sehithwa section of the A3 road in which two trucks collided after one of the drivers allegedly swerved into the opposite lane while attempting to avoid a pothole.
The accident left two passengers, aged four and 72, injured. Both are receiving treatment at Letsholathebe Memorial Hospital in Maun. Ikobeng indicated the 25-year-old driver of one of the trucks is expected to be charged with careless driving.
While acknowledging that potholes pose a genuine danger to motorists, the assistant superintendent said panic often creates a greater risk than the damaged road itself.
“Many of the serious crashes we investigate are not caused by vehicles hitting potholes, but by drivers losing control or drifting into the path of oncoming traffic while trying to avoid them,” he explained.
He also raised concern over the continued practice of transporting passengers in the back of open trucks and other vehicles not designed to carry people.
“In the event of a collision, passengers travelling in the back of open vehicles are highly vulnerable. They can easily be thrown from the vehicle or suffer severe injuries. Such vehicles should only be used to transport passengers when it is absolutely unavoidable,” he said.
Ikobeng further urged motorists to exercise extra caution during the winter season by reducing speed, maintaining a safe following distance and remaining alert, especially during periods of poor visibility caused by early morning fog and darkness in the evening.
He emphasised that although drivers cannot always control the condition of the roads, they can control how they respond to hazardous situations.
“As road conditions continue to deteriorate in parts of the district, motorists must prioritise safety over haste. A few seconds spent slowing down could save lives,” he said.
