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As the Easter long weekend approaches and traffic conditions on the N3 Toll Route become busier, N3TC once again encourages motorists to adopt a risk management approach to road safety.
“A risk management approach borrows from disciplines such as engineering and occupational safety, where hazards are systematically identified, assessed, prioritised and controlled,” explains Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3TC, the company that manages a 415 km section of the N3 between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.
“In road safety, this approach marks a shift from reacting to crashes to reducing, managing and hopefully, preventing the behaviours and conditions that cause them,” says Ms Dhoogra.
Manage road safety risks
Road users are advised to plan their journeys carefully and to be prepared for any eventuality, especially under peak conditions when a single incident or slight change in weather can affect travel conditions.
“By anticipating potential hazards and taking proactive steps to reduce them — ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, staying informed, driving defensively, and adjusting one’s driving style to prevailing weather or traffic conditions — drivers actively help to reduce the likelihood of crashes,” continues Ms Dhoogra.
She adds that defensive driving, patience, and remaining alert at all times are critical to road safety, particularly during busy travel periods.
Peak traffic conditions ahead
Southbound traffic volumes (towards KwaZulu-Natal) are expected to increase from midday tomorrow (Thursday, 2 April), with volumes continuing to rise throughout the afternoon until approximately 19:00.
Similar high volumes are anticipated from the early morning hours on Friday.
Motorists should prepare for busy conditions, slow-moving traffic, and possible congestion or delays between 04:00 and 10:00 on Friday, 3 April.
High traffic volumes in a northbound direction (towards Gauteng) are expected on Easter Monday (6 April) as holidaymakers begin returning home. With schools reopening on Wednesday next week, busy northbound traffic patterns will likely continue on Tuesday (7 April).
Strong road safety focus along the route
N3TC and its road incident management system (RIMS) partners will be maintaining a strong visible presence along the route, with roadblocks, checkpoints and emergency services positioned at strategic locations.
Law enforcement officials will target speeding and drunk driving, and will also conduct drivers’ licence and vehicle compliance checks.
Emergency rescue and medical services, including volunteer responders, disaster management teams, towing and technical support services, and humanitarian relief organisations are strategically deployed along the N3 Toll Route, ready to respond to crash or emergency incidents.
N3TC’s route operations teams will continuously monitor and patrol the N3 Toll Route to identify and address any issues, and to provide additional support to our RIMS partners as well as motorists in distress.
Real-time, verified traffic and route updates are available @N3Route on X. For a swift response to emergencies or crash incidents on the N3 Toll Route, contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57.
“As we set out on our travels, let us remind ourselves that road safety is not only a law enforcement issue — it is a shared responsibility. Please keep our joint safety top of mind this Easter weekend,” concludes Ms Dhoogra.
ENDS
Issued by: N3 Toll Concession (N3TC)