It's officially holiday time as scores of motorists hit the road from Gauteng to KZN

Suthentira Govender Senior reporter
Holiday traffic from Gauteng to KZN is expected to increase over the next three days. File pic
Holiday traffic from Gauteng to KZN is expected to increase over the next three days. File pic
Image: Veli Nhlapo

High volumes of holidaymakers are expected to hit the road from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, amid concerns about driver ineptitude and accidents.

The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) is anticipating peak traffic conditions on the N3 toll from Gauteng to the coast between midday and 6pm on Thursday.

With Friday being a public holiday high numbers of motorists are expected on the route from 6am to 3pm.

“High southbound volumes — more than 1,500 vehicles per hour — can also be expected on December 23 and 24 as South Africans continue to make their way to the various holiday destinations, rural towns and villages connected to the N3 Toll Route,” said Thania Dhoogra, N3TC operations manager.

She said holidaymakers are expected to start their return journeys on December 31.

“This will result in high volumes in a northbound direction, towards Gauteng. Peak conditions are expected to continue up to January 3, with volumes increasing once more on the weekend of January 7-9.

“Toll plazas will operate at maximum capacity, but congestion and delays may be experienced at peak times. For increased mobility and safety, tag payments are accepted in all lanes at the De Hoek, Wilge, Tugela and Mooi mainline and ramp toll plazas.

N3TC traffic forecast for start of the festive season
N3TC traffic forecast for start of the festive season
Image: Supplied

“Other accepted payment methods include credit cards, fleet cards and cash. No payments with debit cards can be processed at any toll plaza in South Africa.

 “Increased traffic volumes combined with a mix of vehicle types sharing the road, place additional demands on drivers, their passengers, emergency services, law enforcement agencies, and road management resources.

“Slow-moving traffic, congestion and delays, driver inexperience or ineptitude, negligence, tiredness, concentration lapses, and unpredictable weather patterns all impact road safety.”

N3TC’s crash data for the first 10 months of 2022, indicates 79% of all light motor vehicle crashes and 85% of all truck crashes were attributed to driver ineptitude and/or negligence.

The majority (62%) of crashes were single-vehicle crashes where drivers lost control of their vehicles, and their vehicles either left the road or rolled.

“Many of these crashes could have been avoided. Risk perceptions, driving skills and the attitudes of drivers play an important part in attempts to reduce or prevent road crashes.

N3TC’s crash data for the first 10 months of 2022, indicates that 79% of all light motor vehicle crashes and 85% of all truck crashes were attributed to driver ineptitude and/or negligence.
N3TC

“During the previous festive season, a steep rise in the number of public transport collisions was recorded. Crashes which included buses and/or minibus taxis were the highest recorded since 2017 (25% higher).

“Public transport crashes have a significant detrimental impact on many lives as they involve a higher number of vulnerable road users, who are more likely to sustain fatal or serious injuries in a single incident.”

Dhoogra said ongoing driver training and regular vehicle maintenance are essential to secure public transport safety.

“Properly trained drivers in roadworthy vehicles perform better. They anticipate risks, and are better able to safely negotiate hazards.

She appealed drivers to “take extra care to avoid head-on collisions, especially when travelling along undivided sections of the N3 carriageway, or at night”.

“Reckless driving, such as speeding and high-risk overtaking, driver fatigue, distractions and driver intoxication contribute to head-on crashes.”

Dhoogra said there will be a strong presence of police and emergency services at key points along the route to render quick emergency assistance.

“Aero-medical and advanced life support teams will, where possible, provide additional support to paramedics on the ground.

“Multidisciplinary teams will be on duty at various traffic check points to perform driver fitness and vehicle roadworthiness tests, and to ensure public transport and dangerous goods compliance.”

Dhoogra said random drug and alcohol screening tests, as well as strict law and speed enforcement will be conducted.

“We appeal to road users to help reduce road trauma. Plan ahead, stay informed, be alert to changing conditions, and adjust your driving behaviour accordingly.

“If possible, start your journey in the morning and travel during the daytime, rather than depart late and drive at night. We all have a part to play in ensuring that the holidays are only over when you reach home safely,” said Dhoogra.

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