N3 toll route festive season safety: Motorists urged to heed weather warnings

Holidaymakers planning to travel on the busy N3 Toll Route have been urged to take heed of weather warnings as adverse conditions continue to compound travel risks between KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

According to N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), which manages the route between Cedara and Heidelberg, traffic volumes have remained elevated since the start of the summer holiday period and are expected to stay that way in the days ahead.

Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3TC, says the pressure is most pronounced in the southbound direction.

“These conditions are expected to continue in the next days, particularly in a southbound direction,” Dhoogra said.

At peak travel times, the Mooi and De Hoek toll plazas have each recorded between 12,000 and 13,000 vehicles per day, making them the busiest points on the route. N3TC anticipates similarly high volumes on December 24, which is traditionally one of the busiest travel days of the festive season.

While southbound traffic remains dominant for now, a shift is expected towards the end of the month. “Northbound traffic (towards Gauteng) is likely to increase from Sunday, 28 December, as some holidaymakers are expected to begin their return journeys ahead of the New Year,” says Dhoogra.

Weather adds to driver strain

Traffic congestion is not the only challenge facing motorists. The holiday season has been marked by unstable weather patterns, including frequent thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and mist, all of which have significantly reduced visibility on sections of the N3.

“All indications are that these adverse weather conditions will persist in the coming days, placing additional strain on motorists,” Dhoogra warns.

She advises drivers to plan conservatively and remain adaptable. “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.”

To help motorists stay informed, Dhoogra encourages travellers to rely on verified updates. “Ask your passengers to help you stay informed about road and traffic conditions along your route by following @n3route on X. Informed drivers are better able to adapt to changing conditions and to anticipate, navigate, or avoid dangerous situations with confidence and competence.”

Public transport crashes a major concern

N3TC has also expressed serious concern about the continued involvement of public transport vehicles, particularly minibus taxis, in road crashes along the N3.

“It is a devastating reality that a single public transport vehicle crash often results in multiple serious injuries or fatalities,” Dhoogra says.

Crash statistics from the route underscore the risks. Approximately 81% of incidents recorded on the N3 Toll Route are attributed to human error, while vehicle-related issues such as tyre bursts and brake failures account for around 9%. Rain has been identified as a contributing factor in 21.7% of crashes recorded this year.

Dhoogra notes that crashes occurring during adverse weather conditions tend to be more severe, mirroring patterns seen in nighttime accidents. Reduced visibility, fatigue, distraction, and difficulty judging speed and distance all significantly increase the likelihood of serious or fatal outcomes.

Call for responsible driving

N3TC is urging all road users to adhere strictly to traffic laws and safety regulations. Aggressive driving behaviours, including tailgating, speeding, unnecessary lane changes, and flashing headlights are highlighted as serious threats to road safety rather than minor inconveniences.

“Mastering safe driving skills, staying informed, remaining patient and alert, and ensuring your vehicle is in good condition are the real game-changers for a safe and trouble-free holiday journey,” Dhoogra concludes. “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.”

THE MERCURY