South Africa sees dramatic drop in road fatalities

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, announced a significant milestone in road safety after revealing a staggering 45.6% decrease in fatalities on South African roads over the Easter weekend.

The preliminary statistics show that 167 lives were lost this year, a notable downturn from the 307 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024. This drop signifies a commendable step towards improved road safety, resonating positively with both the public and law enforcement agencies.

In parallel with the reduction in fatalities, the total number of reported crashes also fell significantly, from 209 in 2024 to merely 141 in 2025—marking a 32.5% decline in road incidents. Such figures suggest that public campaigns aimed at enhancing road safety are starting to bear fruit, a point underscored by the Department of Transport’s Easter Safety Campaign, initiated on 20 March.

Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, expressed optimism about the figures, labelling the nearly halved fatality rate as an incredible achievement for the nation.

“This means 140 less people lost their lives this Easter period on the roads. To place this in perspective, it is the equivalent of 35 cars with four passengers in each vehicle,” he explained.

“A decrease of this magnitude cannot be discounted. It is a demonstration that the commitment shown by various organisations, as well as the Department, to removing reckless drivers from our roads does have the power to bring about significant change.”

One of the key highlights has been the effective efforts of law enforcement, who successfully removed over 4,600 dangerous drivers and vehicles from South African roads during the Easter period. This proactive approach not only contributed to lower crash rates but also raised awareness around road safety among motorists.

Despite the heartening statistics, Herbert urged South Africans to remain vigilant. “Many schools closed this week due to the two additional public holidays, and traffic is likely to be just as busy, if not busier, than the Easter weekend,” he cautioned.

He further stressed that the efforts for road safety must continue throughout April, as historical data indicates that high fatality rates frequently persist beyond the official Easter weekend.

The data released, while encouraging, represents only part of the broader picture of road safety. “The measures taken by law enforcement are proving effective, and the heightened visibility and enforcement strategies should be sustained to ensure even better results over a longer timeframe,” advised Herbert.

He also emphasised that all motorists must take to heart the commitment to road safety, irrespective of whether any given journey coincides with a safety campaign. “Remain vigilant, avoid distractions, follow speed limits, and never drive intoxicated,” he reminded road users.

“A 45.6% decrease is not something that should be overlooked. It should, however, be only one part of decreased fatality rates for the full year.”