South Africa recorded 291 road fatalities over the Easter period, an 18% drop from 356 deaths during the same period in 2025. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the figure represents the lowest Easter toll in six years.
Why it matters: Road deaths cost South Africa an estimated R168 billion per year, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation. A sustained decline would signal that enforcement strategies are working.
The numbers
Fatal crashes fell nearly 17% year-on-year. Six provinces recorded decreases, with Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, North West and the Eastern Cape all reporting fewer deaths. The Western Cape saw a 14% reduction, with 19 fatalities compared to 22 last year.
The broader trend is also positive. From 1 January to 15 March, crashes fell 11% and fatalities dropped 10% compared to the same period in 2025.
Enforcement stepped up
Authorities set up 321 roadblocks and stopped more than 374,000 vehicles during the Easter period. Arrests for driving under the influence rose 39%, with 165 motorists taken into custody over the long weekend alone.
Creecy said the results showed that visible policing and consistent enforcement make a measurable difference. She launched the Easter road safety campaign on 20 March with a call for personal responsibility alongside state action.
Context
Despite the improvement, 291 deaths in a single holiday period remains high by international standards. South Africa’s road fatality rate is among the highest in the world, with pedestrians accounting for roughly 40% of all road deaths.
Creecy warned that gains made over Easter must be sustained through the winter months, when reduced visibility and fatigue contribute to a secondary spike in crashes.