Planning to travel on the N3 this festive season? Here’s what you need to know

The types of vehicle crashes on the N3 Toll Route highlight the widespread disregard for traffic laws on South Africa’s roads.

RELATED | N2 Garden Route to open to traffic this festive season

In as many as 56% of all crashes recorded on the N3 Toll Route between January and October 2024, drivers lost control of their vehicles.

The majority of these crashes (84%) occurred in clear weather conditions.  

N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), the company managing the N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng, witnessed a similar pattern during last year’s peak festive season.

59% of all crashes were attributed to drivers who lost control of their vehicles.

Head-tail collisions, involving either moving or stationary vehicles, were reported in 14% of the crashes.

“From the analysis of our crash data, it seems that ill discipline remains rampant amongst drivers,” says Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3TC.

“Human factors – which point to driver negligence, reckless behaviour, and poor decision-making – contributed to 75% of light motor vehicle crashes and 81% of truck crashes recorded during the first 10 months of this year.

“During the previous festive holiday season (December 2023 – January 2024), human error resulted in 84% of light motor vehicle crashes and 93% of truck crashes.

“Disappointingly, this indicates a total disregard of traffic laws and fellow road users. Lawlessness appears to be the order of the day,” Dhoogra added.

Disobeying traffic rules is criminal 

Traffic rules are based on extensive research and analysis to determine the most efficient ways to manage traffic flow and congestion, prevent crashes, and reduce injuries.

Adhering to these rules is both a legal obligation and a moral duty that each driver must embrace to help create safe and efficient transport systems. 

Responsible drivers, upholding traffic laws, will maintain speed limits, and proper following distances between vehicles.

They will avoid swerving between lanes, or making reckless manoeuvres, and they will avoid driver distractions such as the use of their mobile devices while driving.

As N3TC’s crash data proves, reckless driving and a disregard for traffic rules result in crashes that could well have been avoided. 

Failure to obey traffic rules is a serious criminal offence.

Being found guilty of a traffic offence like reckless or negligent driving, driving under the influence, or exceeding the speed limit may result in a person having a criminal record, their licence being suspended, or even imprisonment.

“The consequences of risk-taking and lawlessness are far-reaching,” warned Dhoogra.

“One poor decision may cause lifelong trauma extending beyond that of the immediate victims, but impacting many associated individuals and ultimately, the very fabric of our society.

“N3TC appeals to all roads users to help us stem the tide of lawlessness that endangers so many lives on our roads.

“Let us aim to establish a new road culture on the N3 Toll Route this holiday – one where we abide by the law, drive defensively, respect our safety, and that of our passengers and fellow road users, and value the sanctity of life.”  

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE N3 TOLL ROUTE THIS FESTIVE SEASON 

Plan for busy traffic conditions

A gradual increase in southbound traffic on the N3 Toll Route (towards KwaZulu-Natal) has already been recorded since last week, with traffic volumes expected to continue to increase.

These increased traffic conditions are expected to prevail in a southbound direction between Friday, 13 and Sunday, 15 December.

Typical holiday traffic patterns with higher than usual volumes are also expected from Friday, 20 until Monday, 23 December. 

High volumes in both south- and northbound directions may also be expected on Friday, 27 December. 

When holidaymakers begin their return journeys northbound traffic volumes (towards Gauteng) are expected to increase from Wednesday, 1 January 2025, and continue over the weekend of 3-5 January 2025. 

If possible, N3TC recommends travel outside of peak periods as high traffic volumes typically result in slow-moving traffic and congestion and may contribute to difficult driving conditions, putting additional strain on drivers and emergency resources. 

Toll plazas will operate at full capacity

All toll plaza lanes will be open during peak traffic periods, but road users are warned that congestion and delays may be experienced when traffic volumes are high. 

Tap and go replaces magstripe (swipe cards) at toll plazas   

Road users are reminded that magstripe (swipe) credit cards no longer work as a payment option at any of the toll plazas on the N3 Toll Route.

As part of technology developments to enhance safety and security, and to streamline payment processes, South African businesses (including N3TC) have been migrating to contactless payments for several years already.  

As a direct result thereof, magstripe (swipe) credit cards have been replaced by the tap and go payment method.

“This means toll fees can now be paid with tap-enabled credit and debit cards or smart devices” explained Dhoogra.

“Should you experience any issues paying with your tap-enabled credit and debit cards or smart devices, please remember that tags, cash and/or fleet cards continue to be accepted as alternate payment methods at all toll plazas on the N3 Toll Route.

“Please contact you bank to ensure that your credit or debit card is tap-enabled to avoid unnecessary delays at the toll plaza”. 

Initiatives to help guard your safety 

Multi-disciplinary teams from the road incident management system (RIMS), including N3TC’s route services, will be on high alert to support road users this festive season. 

Road users should expect highly visible law enforcement, including various roadblocks and traffic checkpoints at strategic locations along the route, and satellite traffic and emergency service stations along the route.

Law enforcement services will have zero tolerance for traffic offenders, and will be closely monitoring the roadworthiness of vehicles, public transport vehicle compliance, speed adherence, and driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Emergency medical- and advanced life support services have been placed on readiness to respond to emergency events.

Towing services, as well as mechanical and technical support services, will be on hand to assist N3TC’s route services to swiftly respond to breakdowns or blockages and to help keep traffic flowing, particularly along the more challenging sections of the N3 Toll Route, such as Van Reenen Pass.

All lanes open to traffic 

The N3 Toll Route maintains a reputation as having one of the highest standards of road network condition in the country, which is achieved though an innovative engineering strategy involving routine road maintenance, rehabilitation and construction upgrades carefully planned throughout the year.

However, to accommodate road users during the upcoming peak traffic periods, all construction work will cease and all lanes will be open to traffic.

During this period, the only road works that may be performed will be emergency repairs or essential maintenance work. 

Stay in touch 

On the N3 Toll Route, help is always accessible through the N3TC Route Control Centre.

Report problems or emergencies, and get swift roadside assistance by contacting the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57.

Stay informed and be prepared for changing travel conditions by obtaining real-time, verified traffic information from @N3Route on X. 

“Let’s work together to prevent road trauma this festive season. By sharing the road responsibly and remaining patient and courteous with one another, our journeys will be pleasant and our roads safer,” concluded Dhoogra.