Creecy hails sharp drop in Easter Road fatalities

On Tuesday, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy released the Easter Road Safety Campaign report, which showed a 32.5% decrease in car accidents. 

Creecy said all provinces recorded decreases except Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, which both recorded an increase.

“Fatalities were reduced from 307 in 2024 to 167 in 2025, which is a 45.6% decrease. All provinces recorded decreases in fatalities except Mpumalanga, which recorded a 27.3% increase compared to 2024. Twenty-eight fatalities were recorded in Mpumalanga compared to 22 in 2024,” said Creecy.

READ MORE: Easter death toll in Mpumalanga climbs to 15

She ascribes the overall decrease of both accidents and fatalities to the widespread and consistent law enforcement and coordinated action by national, provincial, and local government authorities.

Creecy said 177,584 vehicles were stopped and checked during the Easter period of the 17th to the 21st of April.

Of these stops, 44,505 traffic fines were issued, 2,018 vehicles were discontinued, and 1,536 vehicles were impounded.

Creecy added that eight drunk drivers were arrested for attempting to bribe officers.

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

Creecy said the Easter Road Safety Campaign will be extended to the 4th of May due to the increase in road accidents and fatalities during long weekends.

“Long weekends are a period when the risk of fatal crashes and fatalities increases because of drunken driving, increased pedestrian movements, sports, and social events, including increased traffic volumes on national and provincial routes,” said Creecy. 

The minister thanked MECs, traffic officers, members of the South African Police Services, civil society organisations, and private companies who assisted in decreasing the accident and fatality rate.

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