Consider the "time of day" when making your winter travel plans

At the start of the winter school holiday, Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), advises road users to “consider the time of day during which they drive as a crucial road safety factor”.

Cold temperatures can make winter driving uncomfortable and increase road safety risks, especially early mornings and late at night. A review of crash data from the 2024 winter season on the N3 Toll Route shows that a number of single-vehicle crashes and serious/fatal crashes occur between midnight and 5 am. Winter crashes on the N3 Toll Route are often single-vehicle crashes where drivers have lost control of their vehicles, and can be linked to driver impairment, including fatigue, loss of concentration, distractions, negligence, and/or reckless driving.

Cold weather and time of day significantly influence the frequency and severity of crashes, while car heaters have also been identified as one of the main culprits that may be contributing to higher incidences of drowsiness while driving, particularly among truck drivers during winter months.

Drivers with diminished driving capabilities (for whatever reason) are less attentive to their surroundings and more easily distracted. Their reaction times and decision-making abilities are compromised, which may lead to risk-taking behind the wheel or making it harder for them to avoid dangers on the road. 

Ms Dhoogra continues: “As much as we recommend driving during the day, it is sometimes unavoidable to drive at night. Drivers who find themselves on the road after dark or in adverse weather conditions should make additional efforts to stay alert and focused. Get enough fresh air, take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, exercise increased caution, adopt defensive driving practices, and stay informed of expected travel conditions.

After dark, depth perception and drivers’ peripheral vision decrease; therefore, it is important always to leave enough room to respond to sudden road safety threats by slowing down and increasing following distances to at least two lengths of your vehicle and the one in front.”

Ready to support you

N3TC manages the 415km N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng. We take all possible steps to provide our road users with a safe and convenient route to travel on. Routine road maintenance is regularly undertaken, and road construction, upgrades and expansions are carried out when required. Our N3TC Route Services teams actively monitor road, weather and traffic conditions on the N3 Toll Route, and are ready to respond to adverse incidents, emergencies, or crashes which may impact the safety, convenience, and mobility of motorists, explains Ms Dhoogra. 

Road users can tap into these resources, obtain essential travel information, report emergencies, or get assistance by contacting the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57 or by following @N3Route on X. “By utilising these resources, motorists can anticipate potential hazards and prepare for any eventuality on the N3 Toll Route, such as sudden changes in the weather, congested traffic conditions, slower travel times, or other emergencies. Please take every precaution to remain safe under challenging conditions. Always travel with the basic emergency provisions in your vehicle, including extra blankets, warm clothes, essential medication, sufficient water, food and refreshments, a torch, and mobile phone charges.

We wish you a safe, warm and pleasant trip on the N3 Toll Route this winter, and please remember to always share the road responsibly,” ends Ms Dhoogra.

Be extra cautious when driving at night during winter. https://t.co/jFWoqzFpEN #ArriveAlive #NightDriving #Winter pic.twitter.com/lH7sRXukcU

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 10, 2025