Motorists travelling to the July Handicap in Durban are advised to exercise caution on the roads especially when driving in misty conditions where visibility is poor due to veld fires and where the road is under construction.
The N3 road between Johannesburg and Durban is often affected by misty conditions particularly around Van Reenen Pass and Hilton. The road is also under construction between Pietemarizburg and Durban which may cause delays. Drivers are advised to switch their lights on to improve visibility.
Traffic volumes are expected to increase on the N3 as motorists will be using this route to the July Handicap, which is Africa’s greatest horse race with a history spanning three centuries. Traffic is expected to peak along this route from today travellers will be heading to Kwa-Zulu Natal and on Sunday when they return.
Traffic Authorities from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, and Kwa-Zulu Natal and key road safety stakeholders such as
N3TC, Immigration officers from home affairs and relevant role players will ensure that motorists experience minimal to no incidents heading to Durban.
The July Handicap takes place on Saturday, 6 July 2024. The weekend is expected to be filled with joyful celebrations, conditions which are likely to bring about irresponsible behaviour on the road as travellers are tempted to throw caution to the wind.
Further complicating the situation is that the weekend marks the end of mid-year school holidays, and this will add to traffic volumes as parents will travel back from the winter break. Therefore, Road Safety Education activists will be visible to remind motorists to behave appropriately to ensure that they arrive at their various destinations alive.
The RTMC calls on every member deployed to behave responsibly and to execute their law enforcement mandates professionally, impartially and with integrity.
“We urge motorists to obey all road traffic rules and exercise extreme caution and patience” RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane said. ”
Motorists are further advised to be on high alert for pedestrians on this stretch of the road. The number of fatal incidents involving pedestrians on this stretch is high. Occasional strong winds including low levels of visibility due to mist pose a challenge.
Members of the public are cautioned against committing any illegal U-turns, driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and operating a vehicle without a valid driving licence, Authorities are aware of motorists who remove number plates to avoid detection by speed cameras and law enforcement officers have been given strict instructions to show no tolerance to anyone who breaks the rules of the road.
The number of people who die on SA roads is high averaging 36 deaths per day. This can be avoided if road users can modify their attitudes and behaviour.
Evidence shows that many collisions are caused by -:
• Distracted driving such as texting and driving and answering the cellphone whilst driving which has become a common occurence,
• Not following safe distances which could result in a crash due to a driver’s lack of slow reaction time, slippery road conditions and the condition of tyres.
• Impaired driving such as drinking and driving; and fatigue.
• Dangerous driving such as speeding, overtaking on a barrier line, and making U-turns in inappropriate areas of the road.
