Durban — The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has revealed that vehicle crash types on the N3 Toll Route are stark evidence of general lawlessness on the roads.

The N3TC, connecting KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, has recorded alarming data regarding road safety this year, raising concerns about driver behaviour.

Between January and October 2024, a staggering 56% of crashes on the route involved drivers losing control of their vehicles, with an even more striking statistic revealing that 84% of these incidents occurred during clear weather conditions. This has sparked fears that many accidents are avoidable, and that reckless driving habits are putting lives at risk.

The N3TC, which manages the N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng, saw a similar pattern during last year’s peak festive season - 59% of all crashes were 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.

N3TC chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra said: “From the analysis of our crash data, it seems that ill-discipline remains rampant amongst drivers. 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 ten months of this year.

“During the previous festive holiday season (December 2023 – January 2024), human error resulted in 84% of light motor vehicle crashes and 93% of truck crashes.

“Disappointingly, this indicates a total disregard for traffic laws and fellow road users. Lawlessness appears to be the order of the day.”

Additionally, Dhoogra said 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 a legal obligation and a moral duty each driver must embrace to help create safe and efficient transport systems.

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 that as N3TC’s crash data proves, reckless driving and a disregard for traffic rules cause crashes that could have been avoided.

Failure to obey traffic rules is a serious criminal offence in South Africa. Being found guilty of a traffic offence like reckless or negligent driving, driving under the influence, or exceeding the speed limit may cause a person to have 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 impacting many associated individuals and ultimately, the very fabric of our society,” Dhoogra warned.

“N3TC appeals to all road users to help us stem the tide of lawlessness that endangers so many lives on our roads. Let us aim to establish a new road culture on the N3 Toll Route this holiday – one where we abide by the law, drive defensively, respect our safety, and that of our passengers and fellow road users, and value the sanctity of life.”

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