Safety warning: Dangerous driving and poor weather calls for increased driver awareness  

As South Africa marks Transport Month this October, increasing road safety concerns are being highlighted on the country’s main transport routes, including the N3 Toll Route, which connects KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng.

The N3 Toll Route, one of the country’s busiest freight corridors, consistently experiences high traffic volumes, especially of heavy motor vehicles. This requires operators and drivers to be proactive and hyper-vigilant, during peak traffic periods (such as the upcoming school holidays starting on Friday, 03 October), when a greater mix of vehicle types, increases the associated safety risks on the Route.

With the rainy season now also upon us, drivers are urged to adapt their driving behaviour accordingly.

Analysis of N3TC’s crash reports indicates several recurring driver behaviours as key contributors to these incidents. Excessive or inappropriate speed for the prevailing road and weather conditions remains a significant factor. Distracted driving, particularly involving mobile devices, along with poor judgment when overtaking, and following vehicles too closely, are repeatedly cited as contributory factors. Tailgating gives drivers almost no time to react to sudden hazards or traffic changes.

Human factors were responsible for 82% of all light motor vehicle crashes and 86% of heavy vehicle crashes on the N3 Toll Route in 2025 to date.

Additionally, a troubling increase in pedestrian-related crashes has been recorded this year. The primary causes of these crashes are linked to vehicles stopping illegally on the highway to pick up or drop off passengers, and pedestrians attempting to cross the busy route between rural communities and informal settlements situated nearby.

A few simple measures can save lives

Traffic data collated and analysed by N3TC demonstrates that a significant number of incidents occurring on the N3 Toll Route could have been avoided.

“Our findings show that drivers’ choices and actions are critical to maintaining road safety and protecting lives,” explains Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3TC. “It emphasises the necessity for road users to prioritise compliance with traffic regulations, while also practising defensive driving and remaining vigilant on the road. A few simple measures, implemented consistently, will help to create a safer environment for everyone travelling the N3 Toll Route.”

Habits to reduce road safety risks

• Drive within the speed limit and choose a speed appropriate for the prevailing road and traffic conditions. Speed limits are not targets.
• Stay focused — avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel; do not use handheld phones while driving. Distraction is a leading contributor to loss-of-control crashes.
• Keep a safe following distance – give yourself time to react calmly to hazards ahead.
• Adjust speed and behaviour in poor weather or low visibility. Rain, fog, mist, ice, snow, and nighttime driving dramatically increase risks and require greater caution.
• Ensure vehicle maintenance and load security. Tyre condition, brakes and properly secured loads are especially important when sharing the road with a mix of vehicle types.
• Stay vigilant of pedestrians walking or crossing the road, particularly at night, and obey speed limits near human settlements. Avoid stopping on the highway, and report unsafe pick-up or drop-off practices to local authorities.
• Always buckle up — every trip, every seat, every time.

Wearing seatbelts is non-negotiable

The National Road Traffic Act requires seatbelt use for all vehicle occupants and sets out rules for child restraints and infants. “Wearing a seatbelt is one of the single most effective steps a vehicle occupant can take to reduce the risk of injury in a crash,” stresses Ms Dhoogra.

Failing to secure children properly is both dangerous and illegal. Medical and crash analyses consistently show that unbelted occupants are far more likely to be ejected from their vehicles, sustaining severe head and spinal, or fatal injuries. Every person in every age group is vulnerable — from infants to elderly passengers — which is why the law treats restraint use as compulsory for all. Age-appropriate and correctly fitted seatbelts have been proven to dramatically reduce the risk of severe and fatal injuries in the most common collision scenarios.

Plan ahead, travel smart

Before setting out on a long-distance journey, take time to prepare. “Staying informed about road and travel conditions helps to ensure a safer, smoother trip. A little planning goes a long way in avoiding delays, improving safety, and keeping your journey as stress-free as possible,” explains Ms Dhoogra. “Knowing what lies ahead is your best insurance against delays and unsafe conditions.”

Changing weather patterns

She continues: “Changing weather conditions may impact your safety, convenience and mobility. Large parts of the N3 Toll Route are prone to thunderstorms, mist, damaging winds, or sudden drops in temperatures. These weather patterns may contribute to treacherous driving conditions, which could result in traffic disruptions, delays, and even temporary road closures. It is, therefore, essential to always travel with sufficient emergency provisions in your vehicles, including water, food, medication, warm clothes and blankets, first aid equipment, and mobile phones, chargers and backup power banks.”

Road construction and maintenance work 

Construction work is currently underway along two sections of the N3 Toll Route:

• Between Nottingham Road and Midway, near the Estcourt South Interchange in KwaZulu-Natal, and
• Between Heidelberg in Gauteng and the Wilge Plaza, near Villiers in the Free State.

 

Lane restrictions are in place at intermittent locations along both these sections. These lane closures may result in slow-moving traffic and delays, especially during peak traffic periods. Road users are warned to approach the areas with increased caution.

 

“Look out for warning signs, merge smoothly when lanes are reduced to help maintain the flow of traffic and obey all sign-posted safety instructions. Take care to adhere to speed restrictions, anticipate sudden stops, and maintain safe following distances to avoid collisions, and help us to protect vulnerable construction workers who work within meters of fast-moving traffic while they maintain and upgrade our vital transport infrastructure,” appeals Ms Dhoogra.

 

Stay informed, be prepared

Follow @n3route on X for construction updates, weather forecasts, and real-time, verified incident reports, or contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 to report crashes or obtain swift assistance during roadside emergencies on the N3 Toll Route.

“Whether you’re driving for business, leisure, or returning home, please travel safely. Stay alert, share the road responsibly, and give yourself enough time to reach your destination. N3TC wishes you a pleasant journey on the N3 Toll Route,” ends Ms Dhoogra.

ENDS.