As millions of South Africans prepare to hit the road for the Easter long weekend, a time of faith, family and long-awaited reunions.
A familiar concern is quietly building alongside the excitement: will everyone make it home safely?
Easter remains one of the busiest and most dangerous periods on the country’s roads, with traffic volumes expected to surge as families travel across provinces to gather with loved ones and attend places of worship.
For many, the journey is as meaningful as the destination, but it can also turn tragic in an instant.
“As families prepare to travel this April, we urge motorists to exercise extra caution, prioritise road safety, and practise responsible driving throughout the holiday period,” says Tando Ngibe, senior manager at Budget Insurance.
The warning comes with a sobering reality. According to the insurer’s 2025 data, the most dangerous time on the roads is between 9pm and 10pm, when fatigue sets in and visibility drops.
“Each year, lives are sadly lost on our roads, a tragedy that continues to repeat itself. It is a challenge we must confront collectively across government from an infrastructure perspective, businesses from an education and solutions perspective, as well as the full spectrum of road users from drivers and pedestrians alike, ensuring that every traveller reaches their destination safely,” adds Ngibe.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently revealed that the 2025 Easter weekend recorded the lowest number of crashes and fatalities in the past three years. Crashes dropped from 209 in 2024 to 141 in 2025, a 32.5% decrease, while fatalities fell from 307 to 167, marking a 45.6% reduction.
But officials warn that progress can quickly be undone without continued vigilance.
South Africans are being urged to play their part by sticking to the rules of the road, while the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has committed to increased visibility and law enforcement on major routes during the holiday period.
Drunk driving, one of the leading causes of fatal crashes, remains under the spotlight, even as new data suggests some improvement. Budget Insurance has recorded a 14% year-on-year decline in claims linked to driving under the influence.
“This tells us that motorists are adhering to the law and playing their part when it comes to road safety,” says Ngibe.
Still, authorities are pushing for tougher consequences.
“It is a known fact that even a small amount of alcohol diminishes your ability to act. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi tells me that in the trauma units of hospitals, 85% of victims and offenders are over the legal blood alcohol limit. I believe if someone drinks, gets behind the wheel of a car and causes an accident in which people die, they should be charged with premeditated murder,” Creecy said.
She was speaking at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) Organised Labour School north of Pretoria, where road safety and accountability took centre stage ahead of the holiday rush.
Beyond the highways, safety concerns extend to homes left behind.
With families packing bags and planning getaways, security experts are urging South Africans not to overlook their household safety. Fidelity Services Group says holiday periods can create opportunities for crime if properties are left unattended.
“Holiday periods are a special time for families, but they can also present opportunities if homes are left unattended,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group.
“A few simple checks before you leave can go a long way in giving you peace of mind.”