The N3 hospital pass

02 April 2015 - 03:12 By Nivashni Nair

If you intend driving to the KwaZulu-Natal coast this Easter it would be best to take it easy along the steep twists and turns of Van Reenen's Pass and on the flat stretches of the N3 highway between Villiers and Warden. These two locations are considered hot spots for crashes and congestion."The area of most concern is Van Reenen's Pass," said N3 Toll Concession spokesman Andy Visser. "Even a bumper-bashing can result in a major backlog."We place a lot of emphasis on trying to keep the pass open."There were 1070 crashes on the N3 toll road between Heidelberg, in Gauteng, and Cedara, in KwaZulu-Natal, last year.The number of fatalities during the Easter weekend on the N3 last year decreased from eight in 2013 to four.The number of crashes dropped from 38 in 2013 to 20 in 2014."Although these statistics show a positive trend, the risks increase when traffic volumes are high. We appeal to all road-users to exercise caution," Visser said."Last year most of the crashes were caused by drivers losing control and rolling, followed by head-to-tail collisions and vehicles leaving the road."Speed, aggression and unroadworthy vehicles played a part in these crashes."She said the section of road between Villiers and Warden, in the Free State, was a straight stretch that tired drivers.Automobile Association spokes-man Marius Luyt said Van Reenen's Pass was considered "very dangerous" because of the unpredictable weather."It can be very misty, leading to reduced visibility," he said.In the past high winds have toppled caravans and light trucks, and snowfalls have closed the pass.Traffic is expected to peak on the N3 towards Durban between 10am and 9pm today, and on Friday from 4am to 3pm."Easter Monday is expected to be the busiest day of all on the route, with extremely high traffic volumes heading for Gauteng between 9am and 9pm," Visser said."Tuesday between 1pm and 6pm will also be extremely busy on the roads."..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.