Robot controlled intersections
The second in our new Series of Case Studies setting out the different scenarios in Motor Vehicle Accidents backed by Case Law…
Case Law:
AA vs Mantji 1980 (1) SA 655 (A)
Facts:
X was driving his motorcycle and drove over a red traffic light and collided with Y, which was driving over a green traffic light. 
When Y was approximately 35 to 40 paces from the white line at the intersection, the light turned green for him. As he crossed the white line, he noticed X on his right hand side driving over the red light. Moments thereafter the front of his bakkie collided with the back half of the motorcycle of X on the left hand side.
Held – Court Decision:
On the balance of probabilities, it could not be determined, which of the two vehicles entered the intersection first.
If one accepts that X was first in the intersection, it is still not proven that Y was negligent and if he was negligent, that his negligence contributed towards the collision.
The appeal was successful and the Court ordered absolution of the instance with costs.
