Prioritise defensive driving this long weekend

In anticipation of increased traffic volumes on the N3 Toll Route from midday today as the first long weekend of 2025 gets underway, N3TC recommends road users prioritise defensive driving under peak conditions and prepare themselves for changing weather conditions.

The N3 Toll Route between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal is one of the most heavily trafficked transport routes in Africa with trucks making up approximately 44% of all vehicles using this strategic corridor, a pattern that remains consistent over weekends and holiday periods.

“Managing a primary transport arterial such as the N3 Toll Route necessitates careful engineering and traffic management, routine maintenance, regular rehabilitation, and construction to ensure its safety, convenience, and mobility,” explains Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC).

N3TC manages a 415km section of the N3 between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ms Dhoogra continues: “Although we strive to maintain free-flowing and safe traffic conditions, peak times often present numerous challenges including heavy traffic volumes, a mix of vehicle types, road crashes, adverse weather conditions, and other emergencies which may lead to traffic congestion, disruptions, and delays.”

The volume and diversity of vehicle types (including trucks, cars, taxis, buses, and more) during peak periods exert additional pressure on drivers, traffic management resources, and emergency services. Consequently, all road users need to take collective responsibility for their safety.

On behalf of N3TC, Ms Dhoogra urges road users to adopt preventative measures to mitigate road safety risks, thereby ensuring greater safety, convenience, and mobility for everyone travelling on the N3 Toll Route this weekend.

Protect lives by adopting simple safety measures

Defensive driving techniques significantly contribute to reducing road crashes. Drivers who plan ahead for peak traffic conditions tend to be more patient, confident, and competent. They can better navigate disruptions and unexpected delays, remaining focused and alert, thus managing potential risks more effectively.

Implementing safety measures—such as staying informed about road, traffic and weather conditions, maintaining a safe following distance, adhering to speed limits or reducing speed under poor travel conditions, avoiding U-turns or overtaking on blind rises and solid lines, refraining from distractions and the use of mobile devices while driving, only driving sober, and remaining focused, alert, patient, and courteous—can help to ensure your safe arrival at your destination.

Changing weather conditions may also impact travellers over the coming weekend. “Please be attentive to changing conditions and adjust your driving style to the prevailing conditions. Always carry adequate emergency provisions and ensure that you are following official information sources to stay updated and know what to expect on your journey,” appeals Ms Dhoogra.

Stay informed and access 24/7 assistance

N3TC offers a 24-hour traffic information service from its route control centre (RCC) to keep road users informed about any road, traffic, or weather conditions on the N3 Toll Route . The RCC also provides assistance to road users who encounter any problems or emergencies while travelling along the N3 Toll Route.

For regular traffic updates, follow @N3Route on X or call the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 for emergency assistance from our trained route service teams and their partners in the Road Incident Management System (RIMS).

ENDS.