The Automobile Association (AA) has welcomed the significant drop in road collisions and fatalities recorded over the Easter 2025 period, calling it a clear sign that coordinated planning, visible enforcement, and strong partnerships can save lives on South African roads.
According to official figures, road crashes decreased by 32.5%, and fatalities fell by an impressive 45.6% compared to Easter 2024 — the lowest figures recorded for this period in the past three years. The AA sees this as meaningful progress and a strong foundation for continued improvements in road safety.
“We commend everyone who contributed to this success — from national, provincial, and local government departments, to civil society groups, public transport operators, traffic officials, private sector partners, and community leaders,” says AA CEO Bobby Ramagwede. “This outcome proves that collaborative action can deliver real results.”
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The success follows the rollout of a comprehensive Easter road safety campaign, which focused on increased law enforcement visibility, public education under the #GotHomeSafe banner, and coordinated multi-sector efforts to influence road user behaviour.
During the Easter travel period, law enforcement authorities discontinued 2,018 vehicles and impounded another 1,536 — figures that raise serious concerns about the roadworthiness of many vehicles in circulation. In response, the AA has once again urged the government to introduce annual roadworthy tests for all vehicles, beyond the current one-time inspection required at sale or change of ownership.
“Unroadworthy vehicles pose a major risk to all road users. Annual testing will go a long way toward preventing crashes caused by mechanical failure,” Ramagwede notes.
AA flags worrying issues
While the overall trends are positive, the AA has flagged worrying increases in fatalities in Mpumalanga and the persistently high number of pedestrian deaths, which now account for nearly 50% of all road fatalities in the country.
“These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted awareness efforts, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and stronger law enforcement at a local level,” says the AA.
Looking ahead, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal of halving road crash fatalities by 2029. It stressed that sustained, year-round commitment from all sectors will be critical to achieving this goal.
“This Easter has shown what’s possible when we work together,” concludes Ramagwede. “But road safety is not a seasonal concern — it must be a national priority every day of the year.”
Source: Arrive Alive