Pretoria: Preliminary data from the 2025/26 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign indicates a five percent reduction in both fatalities and crashes when compared to the same period last year.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, announced that 1,427 fatalities were recorded from 1,172 crashes this year, marking the lowest number of crashes in five years and matching the fatality count from the 2023/24 festive season. The report was released during a media briefing in Pretoria, which also included Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
Five provinces reported reductions in fatalities, with the Eastern Cape and the Free State showing the highest percentage reductions. However, Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and Northern Cape saw increases in fatalities. The statistics highlighted a significant increase in crashes and fatalities between December 15 and 28, 2025, which accounted for over 40% of the total for the festive season.
The Minister pointed out that crashes and fatalities tend to increase after travelers reach their destinations and participate in festive activities, rather than during peak travel periods. Most incidents occurred over weekends, particularly between 19:00 and 21:00 and between midnight and 01:00. Common incidents included pedestrian collisions, hit and runs, single-vehicle overturns, and head-on collisions. The highest pedestrian fatalities were reported in the City of Cape Town, City of Johannesburg, eThekwini, Nkangala District, and the City of Tshwane.
Small motor cars were involved in 55% of crashes, with light delivery vehicles contributing 20%. Minibus vehicles and trucks accounted for only 7% and 6% of crashes, respectively.
During the festive season, law enforcement officers conducted 1,632 roadblocks, stopping and checking 1.8 million vehicles. Over 450,000 traffic fines were issued, and 525 individuals were arrested for excessive speeding. A total of 173,695 drivers were tested for driving under the influence, with 8,561 testing positive-a 144% increase from the previous year. Notably, a motorist in KwaZulu Natal recorded breath alcohol content 14 times above the legal limit, and the highest speedster was caught in the Northern Cape driving at 222 kilometers per hour in a 120-kilometer per hour zone. Additionally, 89 motorists were arrested for attempting to bribe traffic officers.
The department implemented 2,547 physical education and awareness programs nationwide to influence driver, pedestrian, and passenger behavior, including visits to mass transit departure points and areas of mass convergence. A broad community awareness campaign was also conducted on radio, television, and social media platforms, focusing on roadblocks, vehicle checks, and enforcement of road safety measures.
The annual statistics show a downward trend in road crashes and fatalities, with preliminary data indicating that 2025 had the lowest number of road collisions and deaths in five years. From January 1 to December 31, 2025, a total of 11,418 fatalities were recorded from 9,674 crashes, compared to 12,581 fatalities from 10,633 crashes in 2021. Crashes decreased by 6.4% and fatalities by 6.2% compared to 2024.