Gauteng metros remain pedestrian fatality hotspots despite 13% drop nationwide
Road users are being urged to remain vigilant this winter as authorities work to reduce the high number of pedestrian deaths recorded on South African roads.
Pedestrian fatalities on South African roads have decreased by 13% during the first five months of 2026, according to preliminary data released by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).
The number of pedestrians killed between January and May dropped from 2 214 in 2025 to 1 928 this year, representing 286 lives saved.
RTMC chief communication officer Simon Zwane welcomed the decline but said pedestrians continue to account for the largest share of road fatalities.
“About three in five (64%) pedestrians die in the first five municipalities,” said Zwane.
The City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and the City of Tshwane were among the top five municipalities contributing the highest percentage of pedestrian fatalities in the country, alongside the City of Cape Town and eThekwini.
According to the RTMC, pedestrians accounted for 44% of all road deaths recorded during the first five months of 2026, down from 46% during the same period last year.
The country also recorded a decrease in pedestrian fatalities between April and May, with deaths dropping from 390 to 358.
To further reduce fatalities, the RTMC, together with national and provincial transport departments, is running its winter road safety campaign under the theme, “See and be seen: Navigating South Africa’s winter roads together”.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about winter road hazards, including dense fog, delayed sunrises, early sunsets, veld fires, black ice, snow and risks affecting scholar transport.
Zwane urged pedestrians to take extra precautions by avoiding walking on highways, using pedestrian bridges when crossing busy roads and wearing bright or reflective clothing to improve visibility, particularly in poor weather conditions and at night.
Road safety engagements and law enforcement operations have also been intensified across all provinces as authorities work to reduce road fatalities further.
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