SA records significant drop in road crashes and fatalities this Easter 

South Africa has recorded a remarkable drop in road crashes and fatalities over the Easter long weekend.

The number of crashes fell significantly from 209 in 2024 to just 141 in 2025, while fatalities saw an even steeper decline from 307 last year to 167 this year.

This marks the lowest figures recorded in the past three years, reflecting progress in road safety efforts and public awareness during high-traffic holiday periods.

Long weekends are usually characterised by an increase in fatal crashes due to drunk driving, higher pedestrian activity and increased traffic volumes on national and provincial routes.

Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy, briefed the media on the latest statistics, saying that this year’s Easter period was safer than the previous one.

She says all provinces recorded a decrease in fatalities except for Mpumalanga.

“Twenty-eight fatalities were recorded in Mpumalanga compared to 22 in 2024.”

“Significant partnerships between  civil society and government resulted in significant messaging that impacted positively on driver behaviour through our it begins with me campaign,” said Creecy.

A total of 941 drivers were arrested for drinking and driving during the Easter period and close to 45 000 traffic fines issued.

Minister Creecy says fatalities involving pedestrians now account for 47% of all road deaths.

“This shocking reality indicates that our message to pedestrians is not reaching home and we have to do much more work at a local level where these accidents occur.”

Meanwhile, the Boarder Management Authority (BMA) arrested a total of 6 253 people, who were attempting to either enter or exit South Africa illegally during the same period.

This a 61% increase compared to the same time last year.