Weather warning N3 Toll route: Difficult driving conditions expected

Arrive Alive has issued a weather warning to those returning home from vacation on Friday, 30 December, about the possibility of difficult driving conditions on the N3 due to severe thunderstorms.

Severe weather warning leading to localised flooding 

Difficult driving conditions are expected on the N3 toll route as warnings were issued for severe thunderstorms in the area. 

Heavy rainfall, lightning and hailstorms are expected. 

Drivers are urged to drive slowly, switch their headlights on and drive defensively. 

A yellow level 2 weather warning has been issued  for Gauteng, the eastern parts of the North West Province, northern and eastern parts of Free State, as well as the interior of Mpumalanga.

The warning is for severe thunderstorms leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, and bridges as well as minor vehicle accidents.

High traffic volumes predicted for the N3 toll route 

Traffic is expected to increase on the N3 toll route from 31 December 2022 to 3 January 2023. 

The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has noticed an increase in traffic on the N3 Toll Route heading northbound towards Gauteng.

Traffic conditions of between 1 500 to 2 000 vehicles per hour is expected.

Peak traffic volumes, combined with potential emergency situations and current weather and road conditions, may have a negative impact on travel experiences and put additional strain on drivers and road traffic management resources.

Peak traffic is expected from 15:00 – 21:00, while light traffic would be expected from 0:00 until 9:00.

ALSO READ: Traffic volumes predicted from KZN on 31 Dec to 3 Jan

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER

Arrive Alive has issued some tips when driving in severe weather.

• To keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you, increase the three-second rule to five-six seconds.
• Slow down if it is raining and the roads are wet. Remove your foot from the accelerator and gradually reduce your speed.
• Never apply the brakes abruptly as this may cause the car to skid.
• Slow down and be prepared to move to the left shoulder if an oncoming vehicle is overtaking from the opposite direction and will not be able to do so safely.
• Only move towards the shoulder if you can see 150m ahead of you clearly. Keep in mind that pedestrians may be walking on the shoulder to avoid mud on the road’s surface.
• Be cautious of oil patches. Do not slam on the brakes; instead, steer through. Patches will be small in most cases.
• Before taking a bend, especially a sharp bend, always shift into a lower gear. As you approach the bend, your speed should be at its slowest, and both hands should be on the steering wheel. When driving around a bend, this slow in/fast out technique gives you the most control.
• Double your normal following distance from 3 seconds to 6 seconds to increase your space cushion.
• Switch on your headlights.
• Other vehicles in the rear and in blind spots should be avoided because they are difficult to see through rain-splattered windows.

ALSO READ: WEATHER WARNING: Severe thunderstorms leading to flooding