Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has revealed that preliminary data shows a 5.3% year-on-year increase in road-related fatalities and a 4.2% year-on-year increase in road crashes that involved fatalities over the 2024/25 festive season nationwide, with 1 502 deaths from 1 234 crashes.

During a media briefing on January 20, she noted that six provinces reported increases in the number of fatalities, namely KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, the Northern Cape and North West.

The Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State recorded increases of 70, 54 and 21 fatalities, respectively, year-on-year.

“This is most regrettable because it reverses the incremental strides made in recent years,” she said.

Gauteng, the Western Cape and Mpumalanga recorded decreases of 76, 23 and 15 fatalities, respectively.

Meanwhile, Creecy also noted that 41% of all road fatalities over the period were pedestrian fatalities.

She explained that the highest percentage of pedestrian fatalities took place in the major urban centres of Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Gauteng had the highest pedestrian fatality rate at 63%, followed by the Western Cape at 53% and KwaZulu-Natal at 44%.

The Minister also noted that 87% of crashes occurred because of human error, such as hit and runs, speeding and drunk driving.

“All of us have to change our behaviour on the roads. The number of people who died on our roads this festive season has increased because people continue to behave badly.”

Creecy revealed that 711 000 traffic fines were issued for various offenses, including 23 000 fines issued to drivers not wearing seatbelts and 16 000 fines to drivers for using their cell phones while driving.

Creecy also noted that 16 000 vehicles were found to be unroadworthy, with 8 900 vehicles impounded in areas where impoundment facilities were available.

Additionally, 9 500 motorists were arrested, including 3 840 for drunk driving, while 414 drivers were arrested for driving at high speeds. The transport minister pointed out that five high speed drivers were caught driving above 200 km/h.

“There must be consequences for drivers who break the law with wanton disregard for the lives of others, whether it is for speeding, drunk driving or any other offense that warrants arrest.”

Creecy reiterated the aims of the Department of Transport’s (DoT’s) Festive Season Road Safety Campaign that was launched on December 1 under the theme ‘Every Day without a Road Death – South Africa 2024.’

“At the launch of the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign on December 1, we said we were aiming to change driver behaviour, enhance our law enforcement actions and work together with everyone in the broader ecosystem to reduce fatalities and crashes,” said Creecy.

The campaign was based on four pillars, namely responsible driving, pedestrian safety, enforcement and education, and collaboration among all stakeholders.

The Minister noted that stringent monitoring was put in place on 20 priority routes, alongside patrolling and law enforcement interventions.

Additionally, the DoT and the Road Traffic Management Corporation launched a communications campaign that included targeted messaging on platforms such as radio and social media.

Creecy explained that traffic law enforcement officers conducted more than 997 road blocks throughout the country over the festive season.

She said the road blocks were joint operations between local, provincial and national traffic police authorities, the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies, such as the Border Management Authority and the Cross Border Traffic Authority.

Creecy noted that provinces were conducting a detailed analysis of their respective statistics in order to create a plan moving forward. Respective parties were expected to convene on January 31.

She said the department would continue, together with the South African National Roads Agency Limited, to invest in designing and engineering safer roads, enforcing speed limits and enhancing emergency response systems and access to quality trauma care.

“We do remain steadfast in our commitment to confront lawlessness and dangerous driving.

“I want to appeal to motorists to exercise care and patience on our roads, but I want those who break the law to understand that we will be working ever closer and closer with our law enforcement agencies to make sure that those of you who do transgress the laws face enforcement measures, and there will be no way out. Let's work together to make our roads safer. Let's change behaviour . . . let’s save lives,” said Creecy.

RMI's REACTION
In response to the statistics revealed by the Minister, the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) through its eight associations says it supports Creecy’s call for immediate action to address this crisis.

In a media release, the RMI highlights the implementation of periodic vehicle testing as already provided for in legislation; enforcement of stricter controls on salvage vehicles; and the promotion of more regular vehicle maintenance as three key measures to improve road safety following the release of the festive season road safety statistics by Creecy.

RMI strategy and corporate support CEO Ipeleng Mabusela highlights the critical need for a collective shift in driver behaviour and stricter enforcement of road safety measures.

"Beyond ongoing educational campaigns to change driving behaviour, we believe more must be done, particularly regarding vehicle maintenance and roadworthiness," Mabusela asserts.

Through its advocacy for regular vehicle maintenance, periodic testing, and adherence to industry standards, the RMI says it is committed to promoting safer driving conditions and reducing road accidents.

With more South Africans keeping their vehicles longer, the organisation says regular maintenance is essential.

It notes that neglecting vehicle upkeep can lead to mechanical failures, contributing to road accidents.

“Proper vehicle care is a proactive step towards preventing avoidable incidents. Drivers must ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition before hitting the road,” Mabusela stresses.

The RMI says this becomes even more critical considering the lack of a regular testing regime for 79% of the vehicle population.

It notes that, in South Africa, private vehicles are only tested for roadworthiness upon change of ownership. Vehicles used for reward, such as taxis and trucks, undergo tests yearly, while buses are tested every six months.

"As a result, approximately 13-million vehicles, mainly motor cars and station wagons, do not undergo regular testing. Only about 21% of our total vehicle population is regularly tested.

“In countries where this regime has been implemented, ensuring vehicle safety and roadworthiness on a periodic basis, the data proves testing has contributed positively towards the curtailing of road accidents and ultimately, injuries and fatalities,” Mabusela explains.

The RMI adds that another pressing safety issue is the increasing number of salvage vehicles returning to the roads without adequate safety checks and without a comprehensive accident history.

It notes that the lack of a complete vehicle history from cradle to grave hinders industry efforts to establish transparency and disclosure, opening the doors to a safer mobility solution that benefits all stakeholders and builds confidence within the automotive value chain.

The RMI says it will renew its call for the government to implement stricter controls, including legislation to define and regulate the Code status of vehicles. This information could then be uploaded and housed on existing platforms, ensuring a safer road environment.

The RMI expresses that it stands ready to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to enhance road safety measures.

"We must adopt a holistic approach to road safety, incorporating regular vehicle inspections, stringent law enforcement and comprehensive driver education. This is the only way to turn the tide on road fatalities and make our roads safer for all,” Mabusela concludes.