The N3 is a world class road. There is no doubt about that. However, with increased truck traffic due to the absence of rail services, this road has become plagued by crashes, hijackings, looting and extreme weather. As such it is becoming increasingly hazardous for long-haul drivers. Good news is that a joint initiative by 1Track and Joey’s Towing called N3 Emergency Support Services is stepping in to help protect lives, vehicles and freight along the N3, South Africa’s busiest freight corridor writes Patrick O’Leary. See link to video at end of the story.
Many trucks drivers – and motorists – know the horror of being stranded at night alone on a deserted stretch of road. It’s pitch black – no streetlights, no nearby houses, just the howl of wind and the ominous rustle of unseen things. It’s terrifying.
Every approaching vehicle triggers a fresh wave of fear. Headlights cut through the dark. They slow down – too slow. Is it help…or harm? Your heart hammers in your chest as you brace for the worst. It’s cold, your breath fogs in the air and every sound is amplified by the silence. Then, finally, a familiar logo or flashing amber light appears – a trusted back-up service. Relief crashes over you like a tidal wave. You’re no longer alone. You’re safe.
While the N3TC has in place effective Route Patrol teams who are always ready to assist stranded truckers, motorists or bikers, their efforts are now being enhanced by a partnership which pairs Joey’s heavy-duty vehicle recovery fleet with 1Track’s first-responder paramedics and armed tactical teams, delivering swift and coordinated assistance to truckers, motorists and bikers facing breakdowns, collisions, hijacking or looting, or medical crises on this route.
This isn’t just about clearing wrecks. It’s about safeguarding the main artery of our national logistics network in conjunction with the N3TC’s existing emergency response teams, traffic officials and other services. As the N3’s on-road risks continue to rise, N3 Emergency Support Services, 1Track and Joey’s Towing are set to raise the bar for frontline emergency response. And the services are offered free of charge.
The launch of this initiative took place on June 13th at De Hoek plaza with members of the 1Track team and Joey’s handing out goodies to passing truck drivers. The vibe was fantastic and some of the drivers FleetWatch spoke to (one of whom is featured in the accompanying video) welcomed the extra efforts being made to assist them in getting home safely.
Two members of the SAPS from Vosloorus also joined the launch with Constable Nqobile Mthimunye and intern Sandile Hadebe wholeheartedly welcoming the extra help they would be getting in combating criminality on the road.
Such support can be viewed from an holistic platform because it’s not only the road users who will benefit. The insurance industry has been hard hit by increased claims resulting from crashes, hijacking as well as looting and on this FleetWatch spoke to Danie Knoetze of VAPSHCV Insurance underwriters who was present to lend his support. VAPS HCV has around 65000 tricks on its books
“This initiative is a big plus for us as hijackings and looting have increased significantly not just on the N3 but on routes like the N1, N2, N12 and N17. On the N3, the hot spot is between the De Hoek plazas and the R550 so this will help tremendously.
But, as Knoetze points out, it’s not just about reducing insurance claims: “It’s about the safety of the people on the roads; the safety of our customers. If they see these vehicles and teams on the roads, people will feel a lot safer. So, from all angles, we really appreciate what these guys are doing.”
The launch event was staged but what was not staged was when I left all these good folk to head back to Johannesburg. It was just a few kilometres down the road that I came across a truck whose rear trailer was hanging out blocking the left lane of the road. The N3TC support vehicle was there and had put cones out to direct traffic to the right lane. It was getting dark though and it posed a serious danger. The driver and his load were also vulnerable to potential criminals.
I stopped to talk to the driver – and he hadn’t had a good day and was a long way from home, Botswana. The night before, the rear of his truck had been hit by another truck at the Wilge Plaza and now, he had a gear problem and was stuck.
As I was talking to him and looking at the damage to the rear of his link, Clinton Harry of Joeys arrived in his bakkie, took one look and said: “Let’s pull this straight so it’s out the way and keep him and other drivers safe.” He then rushed back to De Hoek and came back not only with one of those magnificent Joeys tow trucks but also with security personnel from 1Track who secured the scene from any potential looting or other criminal activities. In no time, the rig was pulled safely out of the road.
Talk about putting promises into action and there we have it. That’s the type of help the N3 Emergency Support Service is going to be giving. And as this incident proved, it’s not just talk. It’s real action.
In this video, put together by Paul Collings from various clips, FleetWatch speaks to Dean Govender MD of 1Track and Clinton Harry, general manager of Joeys Group, about how N3 Emergency Support Services came about and how it operates out on the road. Towards the end, Onelogix driver Madlozi Mbele shares his thoughts on safety on the N3 and why skilled rapid-response personnel are now critical for truckers moving cargo on the notorious highway. This is what real-world, industry-led safety action looks like!
FleetWatch lifts its hat to all the good folk at 1Track and Joeys ‘Never Back Down’ on this marvellous initiative one that is welcomed and appreciated by all.
Click on this link to watch the video: https://youtu.be/Qt0c6UkPd6o
