N3TC urges caution as holiday traffic and stormy weather persist on N3 Toll route
With thousands of vehicles travelling daily, N3TC advises motorists to obey road rules, avoid aggressive driving, and stay informed of conditions to prevent serious accidents during the busy holiday season.
Image: FILE
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has urged motorists to exercise extra care as busy holiday traffic and unpredictable weather persist along the N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.
Chief operating officer of N3TC,Thania Dhoogra, said traffic conditions have been consistently heavy since the start of the summer holiday and are expected to continue in the coming days, particularly in a southbound direction.
She noted that at peak times, traffic volumes of between 12,000 and 13,000 vehicles per day have been recorded at the busiest toll plazas, Mooi and De Hoek, and similar high volumes are expected on Wednesday, 24 December.
She explained that northbound traffic is likely to increase from Sunday, 28 December, as some holidaymakers begin returning to Gauteng.
In addition to high traffic volumes, Dhoogra said the holiday season had so far been characterised by unpredictable weather, including almost daily thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and misty conditions reducing visibility.
She warned that these conditions are likely to persist in the coming days, placing additional strain on motorists.
“Be prepared for possible congestion and delays, and make allowances for unexpected events when planning your trip. Remain alert and patient when conditions become challenging,” Dhoogra said.
She also encouraged passengers to assist drivers by staying informed about road and traffic conditions along the route via @N3Route on X, adding that “informed drivers are better able to adapt to changing conditions and to anticipate, navigate or avoid dangerous situations with confidence and competence.”
Dhoogra raised concern over the high number of public transport vehicles, particularly minibus taxis, involved in crashes on South African roads, including the N3 Toll Route.
“It is a devastating reality that a single public transport vehicle crash often results in multiple serious injuries or fatalities,” she said.
According to N3TC crash data, approximately 81% of incidents on the route are due to human error, while vehicle breakdowns such as tyre bursts and brake failures contribute around 9% of crashes.
Rain was cited as a contributory factor in 21.7% of incidents, and Dhoogra noted that “the majority of crashes that occur during adverse weather are often far more severe, a similar trend to crashes that occur at night.”
She stressed that driving in poor weather or at night comes with unique risks, including reduced visibility, driver fatigue, and a diminished ability to judge speed and distance, all of which increase the likelihood of serious or fatal crashes.
Dhoogra also urged motorists to obey road rules and adhere to safety regulations, warning that aggressive and impatient driving behaviours, including tailgating, speeding, frequent lane changes, and flashing headlights, “are not mere irritations, they are serious road safety threats that increase both crash risks and have legal consequences.”
“Mastering safe driving skills, staying informed, remaining patient and alert, and ensuring your vehicle is in a good condition are the real game-changers for a safe and trouble-free holiday journey.
''Let’s all commit to making this a peaceful and joyous time for everyone by driving with Ubuntu and sharing the N3 Toll Route responsibly.”
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