Motorists warned of congestion and increased controls on N3 Toll Route. Heavy traffic volumes are expected on the N3 Toll Route in a northbound direction towards Gauteng from Friday afternoon and throughout the weekend as holidaymakers continue their return journeys. The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has warned thatirresponsible driving behaviourremains a significant contributor to crashes recorded along the route during the recent holiday period, particularly amid busy traffic conditions and adverse weather.
“N3TC and our road safety partners appeal to all motorists to work with us tomake our roads safefor everyone,” said Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession. Dhoogra expressed concern over what she described as a growing disregard for road rules, noting that several incidents were linked to reckless behaviour combined with wet road conditions. “It is extremely concerning that many crashes recorded thus far resulted from general lawlessness combined with busy traffic conditions and wet weather,” she said.
“Despite a highly visible blue-light presence, repeated warnings and continued appeals for circumspect driving, some road users continue to drive with impunity, placing everyone at serious risk.” She highlighted that the N3 Toll Route is one of South Africa’s most important economic corridors, carrying large volumes of heavy freight vehicles alongside passenger traffic. “This mix of vehicle types creates significant differences in speed, braking distance and visibility, increasing risk when road users are impatient or inattentive,” Dhoogra said. “Trucks need far more space to slow down or stop.
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Never cut in sharply in front of a heavy vehicle, avoid blind spots, maintain steady speeds, and only overtake when visibility and distance allow you to do so safely.” Motorists have been urged to plan ahead and remain vigilant as weather and traffic conditions change. “Motorists are urged to stay alertand informed of changing weather, road and traffic conditions, and to allow extra travel time. Adhere to warnings, reduce speed, keep headlights switched on, maintain safe following distances, drive defensively, and take preventative measures to avoid becoming a road statistic,” Dhoogra said.
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