Drivers losing control of their vehicles accounted for more than half the accidents on the N3 between January and October, an analysis of crash data by the N3 Toll Concession has found.
According to the N3TC — the company managing the N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng — almost all of these accidents occurred in clear weather conditions and are indicative of “general lawlessness on our roads”.
The N3TC saw a similar pattern during last year’s peak festive season, with 59% of all crashes being attributed to drivers who lost control of their vehicles.
Head-tail collisions, involving either moving or stationary vehicles, were reported in 14% of the crashes.
“From the analysis of our crash data, it seems that ill-discipline remains rampant among drivers,” said N3TC COO Thania Dhoogra.
“Human factors — which point to driver negligence, reckless behaviour, and poor decision-making — contributed to 75% of light motor vehicle crashes and 81% of truck crashes recorded during the first 10 months of this year.”
During the previous festive season, human error resulted in 84% of light motor vehicle crashes and 93% of truck crashes.
“Disappointingly, this indicates a total disregard of traffic laws and fellow road users. Lawlessness appears to be the order of the day,” said Dhoogra.
She warned that disobeying traffic rules is a criminal offence.
“Traffic rules are based on extensive research and analysis to determine the most efficient ways to manage traffic flow and congestion, prevent crashes and reduce injuries. Adhering to these rules is both a legal obligation and a moral duty that each driver must embrace to help create safe and efficient transport systems.”
She said responsible drivers upholding traffic laws will maintain speed limits and proper following distances between vehicles. “They will avoid swerving between lanes or making reckless manoeuvres and they will avoid driver distractions such as the use of their mobile devices while driving.”
Dhoogra said the N3TC’s crash data proves “reckless driving and a disregard for traffic rules result in crashes that could well have been avoided.
“Being found guilty of a traffic offence like reckless or negligent driving, driving under the influence or exceeding the speed limit may result in a person having a criminal record, their licence being suspended, or even imprisonment.
“The consequences of risk-taking and lawlessness are far-reaching. One poor decision may cause lifelong trauma extending beyond that of the immediate victims, but affecting many associated individuals and ultimately, the fabric of our society.”
According to the N3TC, a gradual increase in southbound traffic on the N3 towards KwaZulu-Natal has already been recorded since last week. Increased traffic is expected in a southbound direction between Friday and Sunday.
Typical holiday traffic patterns with higher than usual volumes are also expected from December 20 to 23. High volumes in both south and northbound directions may also be expected on Friday, December 27.
Traffic volumes from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng are expected to increase when holidaymakers begin their return journeys from January 1 and continue until January 5.
The N3TC advised road users to travel outside peak periods, as high traffic volumes typically result “in slow-moving traffic and congestion and may contribute to difficult driving conditions, putting additional strain on drivers and emergency resources”.
Multidisciplinary teams from the road incident management system (RIMS), including N3TC’s route services, will be on high alert to support road users this festive season.
“Road users should expect highly visible law enforcement, including roadblocks and traffic checkpoints at strategic locations and satellite traffic and emergency service stations along the route,” said Dhoogra.
“Law enforcement services will have zero tolerance for traffic offenders, and will be closely monitoring the roadworthiness of vehicles, public transport vehicle compliance, speed adherence, and driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances.”
To accommodate road users during the upcoming peak traffic periods, all construction work will cease and all lanes will be open to traffic.
“During this period, the only road works that may be performed will be emergency repairs or essential maintenance work.”
TimesLIVE
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