Human negligence is the primary cause of road crashes: KZN RTI

Amid concerns over the number of road fatalities this festive season, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Road Traffic Inspectorate says human negligence is the primary cause of road crashes.

Traffic volumes are on the increase in KZN as people are making their way to various holiday destinations ahead of Christmas.

The N3 Toll Concession says traffic volumes increased to nearly 1 400 vehicles per hour at the Tugela Toll Plaza, and just over 1 100 vehicles at Mooi River.

It was bumper to bumper traffic on both directions at the Marianhill Toll Plaza as travellers make their way to their holiday destinations. Authorities say traffic volumes are expected to increase as this is the last weekend before Christmas.

The N3 Toll Concession says over the past week, traffic volumes peaked at over 1 500 vehicles per hour. Motorists have been urged to be patient as there is ongoing roadworks on the N3.

“The driver behavior on the road is still a challenge as I always say that driver attitude and vehicle fitness plays a significant role in road fatalities and road crashes so it is still a challenge. We’d like to urge the drivers to adhere to all the rules of the road not to drink and drive also to be aware of your surroundings if you’re driving,” says Sindi Msimang, KZN RTI spokesperson.

Video: High traffic volumes in KZN

Motorists have been urged to refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol.

“There was a lot of traffic from Gauteng to KZN and there are those who drive recklessly but the level of tolerance is high. I call on all drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol to refrain from doing that, instead, they must do that when they have reached their destinations,” a motorist said.

“It is helpful to take break as it helps to avoid road accidents, although others drive while they are drinking and its totally wrong,” another motorist said.

Provincial authorities say law enforcement agencies have been deployed at strategic points across the province to monitor the flow of traffic and offer assistance where necessary.