Cape Town – South Africa’s roads claimed 1 427 lives during the 2025/26 festive season, according to preliminary statistics released by the Department of Transport.
The figures cover the period from 1 December 2025 to 11 January 2026.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy addressed the alarming numbers at a media briefing on 15 January, saying, “Preliminary data indicates a five percent reduction in both fatalities and crashes compared to the same period last year. This is encouraging, but the number of lives lost remains far too high.”
The statistics show that more than 1 172 crashes occurred during the festive season, making it the lowest number of crashes in five years. However, Creecy cautioned against complacency, stating, “Death on our roads is not like old age… there is nothing inevitable or unavoidable about it.”
According to the report, the majority of fatalities occurred once holidaymakers had reached their destinations rather than during peak travel times.
“This confirms that festive season crashes increase once travellers have reached their destinations and are engaging in festivities, rather than during peak travel periods,” Creecy said.
[BREAKING NEWS] 1,420 deaths were recorded from 1,172 crashes over the festive season, making a 5 percent decrease compared to last year. Transport Minister, Barbara Creecy says speeding and drunk driving remain the leading causes of road accidents. Tune in to #eNCA, channel… pic.twitter.com/fpjvcXfaDL
— eNCA (@eNCA) January 15, 2026
Regional data revealed mixed trends. Five provinces recorded a decline in fatalities, with the Eastern Cape and Free State showing the most improvement. Conversely, Gauteng, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape reported increases in road deaths.
The Department of Transport also highlighted that weekends, particularly between 19:00–21:00 and midnight–01:00, were peak times for fatal incidents. Collisions with pedestrians, head-on crashes, single-vehicle rollovers, and hit-and-run accidents were most common.
Law enforcement agencies were active throughout the season. Over 1.8 million vehicles were stopped at 1 632 roadblocks, 525 motorists were arrested for excessive speeding, and 8 561 drivers tested positive for alcohol, indicating a worrying rise in alcohol-related offences.
Reflecting on the broader issue, Creecy emphasised the human cost, “The loss of life on our roads is a national shame. Each death is preventable, and we must continue to strengthen road safety measures to save lives.”
Transport authorities have released preliminary 2025/26 festive season road safety figures, showing a 5 % drop in road fatalities and crashes, with 1 427 deaths from 1 172 crashes — the lowest crash count in five years. However, reckless driving, speeding and alcohol remain… pic.twitter.com/G9gr2gLyOH
— IOL News (@IOL) January 15, 2026
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
