SA Records
By Mpho Moloi
South Africa has recorded the lowest number of road crashes and fatalities over the Easter weekend in the last three years, according to the 2025 Easter Weekend Road Safety Report released on Tuesday. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed that crash numbers dropped from 209 in 2024 to 141 in 2025, representing a 32.5% decrease. Fatalities also fell significantly from 307 to 167, marking a 45.6% reduction.
“This year’s statistics are very encouraging and point to the success of our early planning, increased law enforcement visibility, and strong partnerships with civil society,” said Minister Creecy during a media briefing held in Pretoria. The country’s 2025 Arrive Alive Easter Road Safety campaign, launched under the theme “It begins with Me,” has been widely praised for its impact.
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Provinces Show Strong Improvement, Except Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape
According to the Minister, eight of South Africa’s nine provinces recorded a decline in road crashes, with Mpumalanga maintaining the same number as the previous year. In terms of fatalities, seven provinces saw reductions. However, Mpumalanga stood out with a 27.3% increase in deaths, rising from 22 in 2024 to 28 in 2025. The Free State also recorded a 5% increase in fatalities.
“The overall numbers show progress, but the increases in Mpumalanga and the Free State indicate the need for targeted intervention in these regions,” Creecy noted.
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Community Involvement and Law Enforcement Credited for Improvement
Minister Creecy credited the success to several key factors: coordinated law enforcement operations at national, provincial, and municipal levels; early communication and education campaigns; and strong collaboration between government and civil society organisations.
“Long weekends are high-risk periods due to increased traffic volumes, social and sporting events, and pedestrian activity. This year, we made sure to communicate safety messages well in advance, which seems to have made a significant difference,” Creecy said.
The Minister emphasised that the early launch of the Easter campaign on 20 March 2025 allowed authorities to ramp up awareness before the peak travel period. The campaign is scheduled to run until 2 May 2025.
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Pedestrian Deaths Remain a Major Concern
Despite the positive overall trends, the report highlighted a worrying statistic: pedestrian fatalities continue to account for 47%—nearly half—of all road deaths during the Easter weekend. Creecy expressed concern that road safety messaging may not be adequately reaching communities most at risk.
“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. Awareness campaigns must now be intensified in areas where pedestrians are most vulnerable,” she said.
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First Quarter Trends Show Downward Movement in Road Deaths
Beyond the Easter weekend, the Minister revealed that road safety statistics from the first quarter of 2025 suggest a broader national improvement. From January to March, South Africa recorded a 16% decline in road fatalities and a 13% drop in overall road accidents compared to the same period in 2024.
“Crashes decreased in eight provinces, with only Mpumalanga recording the same number as the previous year. Fatalities, too, decreased in seven provinces, while Mpumalanga and Free State recorded marginal increases,” Creecy explained.
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Targets Within Reach: Road Safety Goals for 2029
The Department of Transport has set an ambitious goal to reduce road crashes and fatalities by 50% by 2029. The Minister said that the current trajectory, especially the 2025 Easter figures, suggests that this target is now more realistic than ever.
“Achieving a 50% reduction is no longer a distant dream. The challenge now is consistency. We need to replicate this achievement not just during major campaigns, but every day, week, and month,” she stated.
The Department will now work on sustaining the improvements through ongoing law enforcement presence, community road safety education, and enhanced visibility at high-risk zones.
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Roads That Made the Most Difference
The success of the 2025 campaign also owes much to strategic planning around major routes. National and provincial roads that have historically recorded high accident volumes were given special attention this year. Increased patrols, breathalyser testing, and vehicle compliance checks were conducted around the clock.
“We ensured visibility on the N1, N3, and N4 corridors and other key provincial roads. This disrupted dangerous behaviour such as drunk driving, speeding, and reckless overtaking,” Creecy said.
She also credited the partnership between various government departments, Metro Police units, traffic officers, and emergency services for maintaining effective communication and response times throughout the weekend.
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Technology and Innovation in Road Safety
In response to the persistent pedestrian fatalities, the Minister mentioned that the department is exploring the integration of smart road safety technologies. These may include motion-activated signage, pedestrian overpasses in high-density townships, and community-led education programmes.
“As we move towards Vision 2029, the use of smart and predictive road safety technology will help us be more proactive in preventing accidents, particularly in pedestrian zones,” said Creecy.
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Civil Society a “Critical Ally” in Road Safety
Creecy made special mention of civil society organisations that contributed to the campaign, including NGOs focused on pedestrian safety, driver education, and trauma counselling for accident victims.
“The collaboration between government and communities is pivotal in achieving behavioural change. Road safety is not just a government issue—it’s a societal issue,” she affirmed.
Through radio interviews, community activations, school visits, and social media campaigns, these groups were able to amplify the message in grassroots communities often neglected by mainstream media.
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Key Takeaways from the 2025 Easter Road Safety Report
• Total crashes reduced: From 209 in 2024 to 141 in 2025 (32.5% decrease)
• Fatalities reduced: From 307 in 2024 to 167 in 2025 (45.6% decrease)
• Pedestrian fatalities: Account for 47% of all deaths
• Provincial trend: Mpumalanga and Free State showed increases in fatalities
• First quarter comparison: 16% drop in deaths, 13% drop in crashes from Jan–Mar
• Campaign impact: Early launch and multi-level coordination credited for success
• Public participation: Civil society and community groups praised for strong involvement
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Final Word
As South Africa looks toward safer roads and more sustainable travel habits, the 2025 Easter Weekend Report serves as a testament to what can be achieved through unity, proactive planning, and public accountability. Minister Creecy urged all citizens to make road safety a personal commitment.
“The theme ‘It begins with Me’ reminds each one of us that saving lives on the road starts with our choices—behind the wheel, at the crosswalk, and in our communities,” she concluded.
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