In Lustin, ten accidents have occurred at the same place over the past twenty days. When exiting a bend, drivers have an optical illusion. They don’t see clearly that the road is turning since a barrier was pulled down. The town had to install a temporary device
Each accident wakes up Stéphane Coupé. He lives right next to this accident-causing bend in Lustin, in the Province of Namur. “The cars come from behind and go straight“, he indicates. On exiting the bend, vehicles hit the wall. The last accident dates back to Friday.”Since December 20, we must be 8-10 impacts“, continues the local resident.”Two cars arrived on the tracks, the others left without asking for their rest or stayed there and had to call a tow truck.“
In the car, we understand the optical effect that creates these accidents. After several turns, the driver may think the road is straight. Especially in the evening if the gaze is guided by the headlights of vehicles approaching in the distance. “You have one second to react at high speed“, explains Stéphane Coupé, the local resident.”This second can be fatal.“
“Potentially fatal consequences”
Two factors explain the large number of accidents in such a short time. First, a barrier recently knocked down by a car previously allowed the driver to see an obstacle. Then, trees that visually obstructed the passage are no longer there. “We can end up on the tracks with potentially fatal consequences“, says Bernard Dubuisson, 1st alderman of Profondeville.”Even for trains. So this is really a serious problem that can be fixed quite easily.“
Currently, signage is used as an interim solution. But the alderman will meet tomorrow with an official from the Walloon public service to consider other measures, such as the installation of reflective panels.