The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) anticipates a steady increase in holidaymakers heading to various vacation locations along the N3 Toll Route now that the winter school break has begun.
Travelers, commuters, and transportation professionals all have a duty to protect their personal safety on the nation’s highways.
Concern raised by speeding and careless driving
Between January and May 2022, 490 collisions were reported on the N3 Toll Route.
Of these, the majority (63 percent) were single-vehicle collisions directly attributable to driver error, with speeding and drivers losing control of their cars being two main contributing factors in the majority of collisions.
The rise of collisions involving public transportation vehicles, which are frequently fatal or extremely serious, is another worrying development. Nearly 20% of accidents involving public transportation vehicles resulted in fatalities.
Being able to adjust to changing weather and road conditions
“Stay alert and be patient, obey the rules of the road, and always ensure that vehicles are maintained in good mechanical order. Drivers are advised to pay attention to changing road and weather conditions and to adapt their driving styles accordingly.
“Remember to slow down, increase following distances, and switch headlights on, especially when visibility is poor or roads are wet; take extra care in construction zones and around crash scenes,” explains Thania Dhoogra, N3TC’s operations manager.
Along most of the N3 Toll Route, drivers are advised to prepare for heavy winds, mist, and frigid temperatures. Particularly in high-lying places, cold fronts may bring icy conditions, sleet, and snow.
Due to the increased demand on drivers caused by these circumstances, delays may occur as a result of dangerous and crowded highways.
The N3TC and all other road incident management services are prepared to mobilize quickly if necessary to help clear the road surface in the event of snowfall or the development of black ice.
“Motorists can assist emergency services by being ready for any eventuality. Ensure that you have extra blankets, food, refreshments, a torch and emergency medication in your vehicle. These items may help to keep you safe and comfortable in the event of an emergency,” advises Ms Dhoogra.
During the winter, there is also a greater risk of damaging veld fires, especially from July to October. Road users are urged to take all precaution not to ignite fires during the dry season and to immediately report any smoke or veld fires to N3TC’s 24-hour helpline at 0800 63 43 57.
“Drivers should immediately adopt defensive driving techniques when approaching fire or smoke across the road. Proceed with caution if visibility remains good, but if there is heavy smoke from the fire obscuring visibility, it is advisable to rather pull off as far away from the road as is possible – before reaching the smoke. Please do not panic and attempt to stop, reverse or alight from your vehicle,” warns Ms Dhoogra.
“This could cause a serious crash and further risks.”
It is best to travel during the day.
Due to the decreased traffic, many drivers feel that taking long drives at night is safer. Driving at night, however, poses particular difficulties and elevated risks.
These include decreased visibility, impaired night vision, the condition known as “drowsy driving,” as well as a weakened sense of distance and speed.
It is dangerous to stop next to the road in the event of car malfunction or exhaustion since criminals may employ the cover of darkness for their malicious actions.
“If you have no choice but to travel at night, we urge you to exercise caution, to plan your routes carefully, and to only stop at service stations or truck stops. It is also a good idea to let others know which route you are taking and when you should be expected at your destination.”
Report issues and only disseminate confirmed information from reliable sources.
The N3 Helpline is available 24 hours a day at 0800 63 43 57, and the N3 Route can be followed on Twitter to receive regular traffic updates about the N3 Toll Route. N3TC recommends road users to always be prepared for any situation.