Following an analysis of traffic patterns by Trans African Concessions, it is worrying to note the excessive speed at which vehicles travel on sections of the N4 Toll Route. Double loop counting stations along the N4 revealed that more than 25% of vehicles exceed the speed limit, particularly in a westerly direction, and down hill. Furthermore, indications are that driver behaviour does not change significantly during inclement weather (rain/fog). In wet weather, road users only reduce their speed by an average of 4km/h.
Speed directly leads to loss of control of vehicles. Apart from negligent driving and driving under the influence of substances, such as alcohol, loss of control is a major cause of accidents.
Furthermore, many road users do not adhere to the 2-second following distance rule, and this leads to many head-tail collisions.
Tyres in a poor condition also cause of accidents. 5,4% of accidents on the N4 Toll route during 2008 were caused by tyre blow outs.
This Easter, road users are requested to adhere to speed limits, to consider their following distances and to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before traveling. It is unfortunate that numerous accidents continue to happen in construction sections, mainly due to a disregard for traffic rules and speed restrictions. Speed law enforcement by camera is now regularly done in construction sections.
Due to construction along certain sections on the N4, road users may experience slow traffic conditions (bottle necks) in these areas during peak traffic periods. It is advisable, where possible, to travel out of peak periods.
EASTER RESCUE PROJECT IN SUPPORT OF ROAD SAFETY With the Easter weekend being one of the busiest periods along the N4 Toll Route, TRAC is concerned about keeping its road users safe. It is for this reason that TRAC actively supports the Easter Weekend Emergency Rescue Helicopter Project. Radio Kragbron, a Witbank community radio station, initiated this rescue project four years ago. The aim of this project is to ensure road safety and to save lives, free of charge, at accident scenes.
During the Easter weekend more than 90 emergency, rescue and law enforcement personnel, as well as the TRACassist team will be deployed at the Middelburg Toll Plaza. Two helicopters, three trauma doctors and six critical care paramedics form part of the team.
TRAC’S ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TEAMS HELP KEEP YOU SAFE Trans African Concessions offer a breakdown and rescue service, called TRACassist on the N4 Toll Route between Pretoria and Komatipoort. With this service, TRAC hopes to add value to the experience of its motoring community. “No-one knows when their vehicles might breakdown and leave them stranded along the side of the road. The TRACassist team will come to your rescue when you need it most, and will remain with you until your vehicle can move again, or has been towed away,” says TRAC’s CEO, Arthur Coy. They can’t perform specialised mechanical services, but will call out the correct service providers which are charged to the user.
During the first two months of 2009, TRAC has already assisted 305 road users with problems ranging from mechanical breakdowns, flat tyres and empty fuel tanks. “It is our aim to ensure that everybody remains safe.
Call TRACassist during emergencies or hazardous incidents - 0800 TRAC N4 or 0800 8722 64.
ROAD IMPROVEMENTS - SEE YOUR TOLL FEES WORKING FOR YOU - UPGRADING
Belfast to Wonderfontein Upgrading of this section of the N4 is proceeding well. The single carriageway is being upgraded to a double carriageway in both directions to accommodate increased traffic. Almost half of the total distance under construction is now open to traffic along all four lanes.
However, various speed restrictions from 60-80km/h to 100km/h are still in place along this section.
Although no construction work will take place during the Easter weekend, the construction areas may still cause traffic delays. Road users are requested to remain patient during peak periods, and to travel outside of peak hours to avoid possible bottle necks on the road.
Final completion is expected around August 2009.
Nelspruit’s Northern Bypass (Ring Road) Primary construction of the new Nelspruit Northern Bypass is underway at three sites along the 19 kilometre section.
The route has been cleared through Hall’s and Crocodile Estates farmland and earthworks and bridges are now being constructed at some intersections. There will be 25 bridges (excluding culverts) because every traversal of the main roads, Nel- and Crocodile rivers need to be spanned by a bridge.
The R660 million Ring Road is a three phase project with each expected to take 26 months to complete. The first section from Alkmaar to the Freidenheim Road has been awarded to engineering company WBHO. The second section from Freidenheim Road to the Crocodile Valley was awarded to CMC Joint Venture and the final stage to Karino will be constructed by Rumdel.
The new N4 bypass will branch off at Mataffin, skirt Riverside Mall, bridge the R40 and the Crocodile river and continue through to Karino where it will rejoin the N4 on the eastbound side.
On completion, the new road will ease traffic congestion through Nelspruit’s central business district and the layout around Mataffin will provide easy access to the new Mbombela stadium.
The initial phase will provide a single carriageway in both directions. At present work on the new road has no impact on road users.
REHABILITATION Machado Plaza to Waterval Onder A 15km section of the road between the Machado Plaza and Waterval Onder received a new seal surface. Starting at the end of March, minor repair work will be done along short 300m sections of the road. Stop/Go signs will direct traffic flow whilst the work is in progress. No work will be undertaken during the Easter weekend.
MAINTENANCE Middelburg to Wonderfontein Repairs will be carried out on the gravel shoulders of the east and west bound carriageways.
O.R Tambo (Swartbos) to Highveld interchanges, Witbank Crack sealing is being done between the O.R Tambo (Swartbos) and the Highveld Interchanges on the westbound carriageway.
Schoemanskloof (De Beers Nek – N4-6Y 20.0 East) Clearing and repairs will take place over the next few weeks following a rock slide.
Grass cutting Shoulder and median grass is being cut along the entire route, and is nearing completion.
ROAD ACCIDENT STATISTICS – N4 Toll Route (N4 Toll Route – these statistics are for the existing N4 Toll Route from Pretoria to Maputo)
111 accidents were recorded on the N4 Toll Route during February 2009. These include 82 accidents in South Africa and 29 in Mozambique.
The majority of these accidents (SA and Mozambique) were single vehicle accidents (60) followed by head-tail collisions (14) and then head-side accidents (13).
During February the main cause of accidents was negligent driving. Other causes during the same period include:
- Speeding
- Blow-out of tyres
- Pedestrians
- Mechanical failure
- Falling asleep
It is helpful to bear the above in mind and take the necessary precautionary measures when you are driving in an effort to minimise the likelihood of causing an accident.
Expected peak traffic dates - 9, 10 and 13 April (Road users are advised that 9 and 13 April are expected to be very busy. If possible, do not travel during peak periods)
- 24 and 27 April