The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is stepping up its efforts to improve road safety following two major truck crashes on the N3 highway over the weekend. In response to the incidents, the department has announced the deployment of 197 additional traffic officers from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). These officers will join over 2,700 other traffic officers already tasked with enforcing road safety rules and ensuring the security of road users across the province. KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, highlighted that these officers will be stationed in high-risk areas, including Durban, Mtubatuba, and the Ugu Municipality, in an effort to enhance safety on the province’s busy roadways.
The two crashes, which occurred just hours apart, raised significant concerns about road safety on one of the country’s busiest routes. On Saturday, emergency services were called to a scene near the Mariannhill Toll Plaza on the Durban-bound N3 after a truck driver reportedly lost control, colliding with a bus, a minibus taxi, and three cars. Paramedics attending the scene, including Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics, confirmed that approximately 15 people were injured. Once stabilised, the victims were transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The crash caused significant disruption, with the scale of the collision highlighting the dangers of the N3 route.
Earlier that same day, another devastating crash occurred in the same vicinity, where a truck driver tragically lost his life and 15 others were injured. This incident involved a pile-up of six trucks and five vehicles, with several people trapped in the wreckage. Paramedics and rescue teams, including the eThekweni Fire Department, were quickly dispatched to assist, using specialized tools to extricate the injured. Despite their efforts, one of the truck drivers was found severely entrapped in the wreckage and was declared dead at the scene. The scale of the crash, and the tragic loss of life, underscores the pressing need for more robust safety measures on the highway.
The N3 Toll Route chief operating officer, Thania Dhoogra, commented on the frequent nature of such incidents. Between January and October 2024, nearly 56% of all crashes on the N3 involved drivers losing control of their vehicles, often in clear weather conditions. Dhoogra emphasized that 84% of these crashes occurred under favorable weather conditions, which suggests that factors like driver error, speed, and distraction play a major role in these accidents. She urged drivers to adhere to speed limits, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid distractions while on the road to reduce the likelihood of such accidents occurring.
MEC Duma’s recent announcement of increased law enforcement measures aims to tackle these issues head-on. The additional deployment of traffic officers will ensure more rigorous monitoring of driver behavior, especially in high-risk areas like the N3 corridor. By ramping up inspections and ensuring greater oversight, the Department of Transport hopes to curb reckless driving, reduce accidents, and promote safer travel conditions across the province. The government is also keen to foster greater awareness among drivers about the long-term consequences of reckless behavior, not only for those directly involved but also for their families and the broader community.
With road safety becoming an increasingly urgent issue, particularly on the N3, the Department of Transport’s focus on enhanced enforcement reflects the need for a collective effort in reducing road-related fatalities and injuries. As the province takes steps to address these concerns, both law enforcement and public awareness will be key in achieving lasting improvements. In the meantime, authorities continue to urge all drivers to take responsibility for their actions on the road, recognizing that one poor decision can have life-altering consequences for everyone involved.
