PLEASE BE AWARE OF VAN WETTENS BREAKDOWN SERVICES

Van Wettens Breakdowns - Accident on Aster Road – Liability Refused

It is so sad that one has to go to such drastic measures to expose large companies like Van Wettens Breakdown services for not taking responsibility for their actions. On 19 June 2026, while turning on Aster Road in Welgedacht Smallholdings, barely 33m after turning into Aster Road, my vehicle collided with a heavy recovery cable stretched across the road without any warning signs or safety measures. The cable was NOT viably marked and placed at bonnet height, causing significant damage to my vehicle. The recovery operation was managed by Van Wettens Towing services, a very large company operating Nationwide. According to my research the law clearly states 1. National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000 (under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996) Regulation 319 states that no person may willfully or unnecessarily hinder or interrupt the free and proper passage of traffic on a public road. It also prohibits placing any object on a public road that may endanger or cause damage to traffic. A steel recovery cable stretched across a live roadway would fall within this type of hazard unless the road is properly controlled and protected. 2. Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 Employers and contractors have a legal duty to conduct work in a manner that does not expose employees or members of the public to health or safety risks. During roadside recovery operations, this extends to protecting motorists, pedestrians, and workers from hazards created by the recovery process. 3. Construction Regulations (where applicable) If the recovery forms part of construction, roadworks, or a similar worksite, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) and appropriate traffic control measures are generally required to protect road users and workers. What safety precautions are generally expected? Although not always prescribed word-for-word in legislation, accepted industry practice and the general legal duty of care would normally require:  Closing or controlling the affected lane or the entire road if a cable must cross it.  Using trained flagmen or traffic officers where traffic cannot safely pass.  Placing advance warning signs at appropriate distances.  Using cones, barriers, and flashing amber warning lights on recovery vehicles.  Preventing any vehicle or pedestrian from crossing the tensioned cable.  Ensuring the cable is under constant supervision.  Where possible, avoiding running a recovery cable across an open public roadway altogether. And yet no cones, signs, or personnel were present to warn drivers, creating a serious hazard on a public road. Despite reporting the incident immediately, the liable company refuses to take responsibility or cover the repair costs. I urge others to be cautious and demand accountability in such dangerous situations.