Here's why night time travel should be avoided this holiday
Besides the obvious safety concerns, driving in the cold isn't ideal.
It's the school holidays, and many families have coordinated their schedules to fit around the kids at home.
This means more time outdoors and on the roads. Since winter offers the best weather, taking our safety for granted can be easy. However, motorists are urged to avoid travelling on the N3 at night.
Daytime travel is encouraged when planning your road trips or winter school activities.
"According to Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), early mornings and late-night driving pose heightened risks during winter, particularly on the N3 between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng," reports The Witness.
While it may not seem like a lot, KZNers experience the winter cold during the late night and early mornings. Therefore making night time driving cold, uncomfortable and dangerous.
Dhoogra explained that the peak danger times were between midnight and 5 am.
The Witness said, "A review of crash data from the 2024 winter season shows that a significant number of serious and fatal crashes along the N3 occurred during those hours, often involving single vehicles where drivers had lost control."
Things such as driver fatigue, recklessness, distractions on the road, and the effects of using the car heater for a lengthy period could all contribute to road incidents.
While daytime travel is suggested, it isn't always possible for eveyone.
In these cases, Dhoogra suggested that motorists forced to travel during the night take the necessary precautions.
"Stay alert and hydrated, get fresh air, take regular breaks, and increase following distances to reduce the risk of collisions," she said.
She also advised motorists to be prepared. After the last snowfall, which left motorists stuck on the freeway, it's always advisable to pack emergency essentials, such as blankets, clothing, medication, water, snacks, torches, and phone chargers.
For emergencies, motorists can contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline at 0800 63 43 57 or follow @N3Route on X for real-time updates.
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