Easter Road Deaths toll decreased by 42% during 2025 Easter holidays: an applaudable achievement. Image Supplied
By Staff Writer
The commendable reduction in Easter road deaths is attributed to safety efforts by traffic officials in Gauteng.
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has welcomed a significant reduction in the 2025 Easter road deaths, following the release of the national Road Safety Report by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Tuesday.
According to the report, Gauteng experienced a remarkable 42% decrease in Easter road deaths, dropping from 52 in 2024 to just 22 in 2025. This improvement is one of the most notable in the country during the busy Easter travel season, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated safety measures.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi praised these results, stating, “The significant drop in road carnage is a clear indicator that early planning, integrated operations, and people-centred communication can deliver life-saving results.” He emphasised that collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and community organisations played a vital role in this achievement.
The Easter campaign, conducted under the national slogan “E Thoma Ka Wena – It Starts With You”, aimed to foster a sense of responsibility among road users. The initiative included several critical components, such as early and coordinated law enforcement efforts; enhanced infrastructure; and educational programs focused on safe driving practices. The campaign sought to combat distracted driving and other preventable causes of road fatalities by encouraging drivers to prioritise their safety.
Nationally, the report indicated a 32.5% reduction in crashes, from 209 in 2024 to 141 in 2025, alongside a remarkable 45.6% decrease in Easter road deaths, which fell from 307 to 167. Furthermore, from January to March 2025, South Africa witnessed a 16% decline in road deaths and a 13% reduction in overall accidents. These statistics reflect a growing awareness of road safety and a collective effort to drive responsibly.
MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance: “We call on all road users to obey the rules, especially by avoiding drinking and driving. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe.” She noted that while the improvements are encouraging, continuous efforts are necessary to maintain and further enhance road safety.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has partnered with various stakeholders, including civil society and transportation organisations, to ensure that road safety remains a priority beyond Easter. Programs will be rolled out throughout the year to engage communities in a dialogue about safe driving habits, pedestrian awareness, and the consequences of reckless behaviour.
The Easter Road Safety campaign will officially conclude on May 4, 2025, as many South Africans continue to travel during the extended long weekend. The dedication to maintaining lower Easter road deaths will remain a central focus for the government and its partners, with initiatives aimed at sustaining this positive trend in road safety throughout the year.
