MOST CRASHES ON THE N3 TOLL ROUTE INVOLVE A SINGLE VEHICLE ONLY

As South Africa heads into its peak summer travel season, ongoing analysis of crash patterns on the busy N3 Toll Route, the portion of the N3 linking Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, points to concerning trends in driver behaviour. A review of N3TC’s crash data highlights a persistent crash trend: single vehicle crashes remain the dominant crash type recorded on the N3 Toll Route.

During the previous summer holiday season (Dec 2024), single-vehicle crashes accounted for 53.5% of all crashes on the N3 Toll Route, while 60.4% of crashes recorded between January and November this year involved one vehicle only.

“Crashes where drivers lose control of their vehicles, and either veer off the road or roll their vehicles, highlight just how much motorists are putting themselves and others at risk,” says Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), which manages the N3 between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.

She notes that these crashes are often the result of speeding, fatigue, or distractions – these human factors and driver errors become more common during holiday periods when traffic volumes increase.  Distracted driving can cause vehicles to veer off the road, while crashes in which vehicles roll are typically linked to speeding, sharp steering, or driver fatigue. Heavily loaded vehicles, or drivers towing trailers and caravans, face even higher risks from sudden mistakes or overcorrection.

“Another telling statistic is the high number of head-tail crashes recorded (11% of all incidents in 2025). Rear-end crashes are often caused by drivers failing to maintain proper following distances, highlighting how drivers underestimate the required reaction times to safely respond to fast-paced and changing traffic conditions, or lose focus and concentration. Distractions, poor speed control, impatience, and an aggressive driving style are some of the other major contributing factors,” says Ms Dhoogra.

 

Crashes can be prevented

“As we head into the festive season, N3TC urges motorists to practice simple and effective road safety habits to help reduce crashes on all our roads this holiday. Drivers should keep safe following distances, drive at signposted speeds, avoid distractions, and schedule rest stops at least every two hours. Even minor lapses in attention and judgment can have deadly consequences, but with proper planning, being well-prepared, and taking these precautions, we can save lives,” says Ms Dhoogra.

 

Be prepared for busy travel conditions this festive season

The N3 Toll Route is a key tourism link between South Africa’s economic centre and some of the country’s most iconic holiday destinations like the Drakensberg and KwaZulu-Natal beaches. Local tourism officials expect an influx of travellers to KwaZulu-Natal from 15 December 2025, with accommodation occupancy rates expected to peak between Christmas and New Year, and likely to exceed 80% through the holiday season.

A gradual increase in traffic, particularly in a southbound direction on the N3 Toll Route (towards KwaZulu-Natal), is expected from midday on Thursday, 11 December 2025, with busy conditions expected to continue in a southbound direction between Friday, 12 December and Sunday, 14 December.

Typical holiday traffic patterns with higher than usual volumes are also expected on the weekend of 19 – 21 December, and again on Tuesday 23 December and Wednesday, 24 December.

High volumes in both south- and northbound directions may be experienced from Friday, 26 December, leading to the year-end celebrations on Wednesday, 31 December. Thereafter, the majority of holidaymakers are likely to commence their return journeys towards Gauteng, and as a result, northbound traffic volumes are expected to increase from Thursday, 1 January 2026, with a very busy traffic weekend expected on the N3 Toll Route between 2 and 4 January 2026.

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 capacity

All toll plaza lanes will be open during peak times, but congestion may occur with high traffic volumes. To ease delays and improve safety on the N3 Toll Route, you can pay using tags, tap-enabled debit or credit cards, smart devices, fleet cards or cash. All lanes on the N3 Toll Route accept tag payments, and as an added benefit to tag users, there are clearly marked dedicated tag lanes (lookout for the “Tag Only” overhead signs).

Note: Magstripe (swipe) credit and debit cards are not accepted for payment on the N3 Toll Route. Ensure your credit or debit card is tap-enabled to avoid delays.

 

Guarding your safety

Multi-disciplinary teams, including N3TC’s route services and its partners in the road incident management systems (RIMS), are on high alert to assist road users during the festive season. Law enforcement is maintaining a strong, visible presence, with roadblocks and checkpoints, and emergency services are stationed strategically along the entire route.

Traffic offenders should expect strict enforcement targeting speeding, drunk driving, and vehicle compliance. Emergency, rescue, medical, disaster management, towing, volunteer teams, and technical teams are ready to respond quickly to any incidents or obstructions, especially on challenging sections of the route, such as Van Reenen Pass.

 

All lanes open to traffic

The N3 Toll Route is known for high road standards due to regular maintenance and upgrades.

To ensure smooth travel during peak periods, construction activities will cease on Thursday, 11 December and will resume after 5 January 2026. Only essential maintenance work or emergency repairs will be carried out during the festive period. Should it be required, temporary measures such as lane restrictions may be implemented to safely accommodate traffic and construction teams whilst repair works are underway.

 

Stay in touch

The N3TC Route Control Centre provides round-the-clock support along the N3 Toll Route, offering assistance with any issues or emergencies. For a prompt response, contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline at 0800 63 43 57, or stay informed by receiving real-time, verified travel advisories and traffic alerts about the N3 Toll Route by following @n3route on X.

 

N3TC encourages road users to always share the road responsibly, most especially over the festive season. “Together we can ensure safer and more enjoyable journeys for everyone. Let’s do this by showing respect and courtesy to our fellow road users, remaining calm and considerate, and demonstrating the South African spirit of Ubuntu wherever we may find ourselves,” ends Ms Dhoogra.

 

ENDS.

*Issued by N3 Toll Concession (N3TC)