SCHOOLS have broken up for the Easter holidays and many Zululanders are planning road trips to visit family and friends.

In light of the extra burden on KwaZulu-Natal’s roads, the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) issued some safety pointers on Thursday.

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“The N3 transport corridor, linking South Africa’s economic heartland to the Port of Durban, is one of the busiest freight routes in Africa, and traditionally also one of the busiest leisure routes, particularly during school holidays and over long weekends,” said the communique.

On road safety tips, the N3TC said maintaining safe following distances remains one of the most effective, yet often overlooked, defensive driving practices.

“A minimum three-second following distance under normal conditions, extended in heavy traffic, poor visibility or wet weather, significantly reduces the risk of crashes,” said N3TC COO Thania Dhoogra, adding that rear-end collisions are among the most common crash types on busy routes such as the N3.

Between 2023 and 2025, more than 13% of all reported crashes were rear-end collisions, increasing to 16% in 2025.

Traffic volumes towards KZN were expected to increase as from midday on Friday until around 7pm, and again on Saturday morning from 4am to 10am.

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The Easter weekend is also expected to see increasing volumes of traffic towards the coast, likely increasing on Thursday, 2 April from midday to 7pm, and again on Friday, 3 April from 4am to 10am.

Traffic towards Gauteng is expected to be much heavier as the end of the school holidays and the Easter weekend coincide.

Peak volumes are expected between 10am and 8pm on Monday, 6 April and Tuesday, 7 April.

“While we aim to maintain safe, free-flowing traffic conditions, peak periods often present challenges, including congestion, mixed vehicle types and the associated speed differentials, crashes, and adverse weather,” noted Dhoogra. “Plan ahead, allow extra travel time, remain calm and stay informed.”

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