N3 officials on Easter high alert
According to statistics, reckless driving remains the top cause of collisions along the N3, with the majority of incidents of 2014 caused by drivers losing control of their vehicles and overturning.
The Easter weekend is a time of great danger on South African roads.
Owing to the carnage which is prevalent during this period, the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) and emergency services are on high alert, to ensure the safety of all travellers.
In a press statement, N3TC said no effort had been spared to keep traffic flowing and to curb emergencies over the Easter period. However, the onus rested on every single driver to play their part in minimising collisions.
According to statistics, reckless driving remains the top cause of collisions along the N3, with the majority of incidents of 2014 caused by drivers losing control of their vehicles and overturning. Head-tail collisions, vehicles leaving the road, speed, aggressive driver behaviour and un-roadworthy vehicles are all factors playing a role in collisions.
The N3TC said the majority of crashes took place in clear weather, or 80.4 percent.
Managing the N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal, the N3TC has kept a close watch on traffic patterns, driver behavior and collision statistics, which have revealed that:
- Easter crashes decreased by 47.4 percent from 2013 to 2014.
- Fatal crashes decreased by 83.3 percent in 2014.
- The number of fatalities decreased by 50 percent to four deaths in 2014.
Andy Visser, Marketing Manager for N3TC, said while these statistics showed a positive trend towards general road safety, the organization was aware that risk increase exponentially when traffic volume was high.
“We therefore appeal to all road users to exercise extreme caution when they do travel during these periods. Traffic conditions can be demanding and stressful during peak periods. Drivers are advised to plan their trips in advance, be aware of road and weather conditions ahead, remain patient and courteous, stay alert and take regular rest stops.”
Peak traffic conditions are expected southbound (towards KwaZulu-Natal) on April 2 (Thursday) between 10am and 9pm, and also on April 3 (Friday) from 4am to 3pm.
Easter Monday, April 6, is expected to the busiest day of all on the N3 Toll Route, with extremely high traffic volumes expected northbound (towards Gauteng) between 9am and 9pm, and also on Tuesday (April 7), between 1pm and 6pm.
The N3TC stated various interventions were planned for the Easter weekend; no construction work will take place during this period, all traffic lanes will be open, and remedial work will only be performed when absolutely necessary.
There will also be a number of emergency satellite stations at key locations along the N3, where route patrol teams, emergency medical services and law enforcement authorities will be based.
Apart from general operations, traffic authorities will also focus on:
- Alcohol screening
- Public transport compliance
- Stop and search operations
- Roadworthy compliance of all vehicles
- Sector policing and patrolling
- Blue and red light visibility
- Pedestrians
- Vehicles causing obstructions
Beyond traffic authorities, SAPS and ambulance services on standby during the Easter weekend, additional emergency support will be provided by the N3TC Route Patrol team, Imperial iPledge emergency vehicles, SAPS motorbikes and Community Medical Services (CMS) on Van Reenen’s Pass, Angels in Motion and BMW roadside assistance teams.
“We are convinced the high visibility of emergency services helps to positively adjust driver behaviour, improves active law enforcement, emergency response times and patient care. There is no doubt this mammoth effort leads to safer roads.”
Plan trips in advance and familiarise yourself with road and weather conditions by contacting the 24-hour N3TC Route Control Centre on 0800 63 4357 (0800 N3 HELP) or download the N3TC Mobility App. Motorists can obtain the latest information by following the N3 Route on Twitter (@N3Route).
