As the winter school holidays start on Saturday, authorities are urging motorists to approach travel across South Africa’s roads with extreme caution, particularly on the busy N3 Toll Route between Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal and Heidelberg in Gauteng.

Thania Dhoogra, Chief Operating Officer of the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), warned that the time of day is a critical safety factor often overlooked during trip planning.

“Winter conditions increase the risk of fatigue, drowsiness, and poor visibility, especially between midnight and 5am,” said Dhoogra, referencing data from the 2024 winter season.

The data indicates that most serious or fatal incidents during this period were single-vehicle crashes, often linked to driver fatigue, distraction, or reckless behaviour.

She highlighted that vehicle heaters—commonly used during early morning and late-night drives—may inadvertently be contributing to driver drowsiness, particularly among long-haul truck drivers.

“While daytime travel is recommended, we understand that night-time travel is sometimes unavoidable. In these instances, it’s crucial that drivers stay alert, hydrated, and take regular breaks,” Dhoogra advised. “Increase your following distance, reduce speed, and remain aware of your surroundings—especially when visibility is reduced.”

Motorists are also urged to travel with basic emergency supplies, such as warm clothing, food, water, medication, mobile phone chargers, torches, and blankets, especially under winter travel conditions.

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has issued multiple weather alerts:

• Yellow Level 1 Warning for Disruptive Rainfall is in effect for parts of the Western Cape until Saturday night (28 June).

• Yellow Level 2 Warning for Damaging Winds along the Eastern Cape coastline may make navigation at sea dangerous.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell confirmed on Friday that saturated soil and overflowing waterways from earlier weather systems may worsen the risk of localised flooding in Cape Town. City services are distributing flood kits and sandbags, restoring services, and working with NGO partners to provide hot meals, blankets, and hygiene packs to those in need.

Members of the public wishing to assist affected communities can drop off donations—such as tinned food, baby formula, and hygiene items—at any of the seven designated fire stations in Cape Town. These include Constantia, Goodwood, Hout Bay, Lakeside, Roeland Street, Strand, and Wynberg. Donations can also be arranged via email at Disaster.Donations@capetown.gov.za.

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