Grim stats encourage safe driving this Easter

With Easter approaching – a time when many South Africans travel – traffic is bound to pick up, along with the risk of road accidents.

Statistics from the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) Easter 2024 State of Road Safety Report are shocking.

According to the report, 335 road fatalities were recorded over the 2024 Easter weekend – an increase of 32.9% from the 252 in 2023.

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KZN recorded the highest number of fatal crashes – with 17 more than the previous Easter period, bringing the total number of fatal crashes to 52.

This makes the province’s contribution to last year’s national Easter road fatality rate a steep 22%, followed by Gauteng at 20.8%.

Further insights from RTMC report:
Some 26.6% of fatal crashes took place on the Saturday

6pm to 8pm was the most deadly period when 21.2% of all fatal crashes took place

28% of fatal crashes over the weekend were recorded as hit-and-run incidents

Pedestrian accidents accounted for 22.9% of all fatal crashes

Human factors contributed towards 94.6% of all of these fatal crashes – with jaywalking, speeding and overtaking into oncoming traffic the top offences

Of the vehicle factors, the highest contributor was burst tyres

41.8% of the victims were passengers; 35.5% were pedestrians; 21.5% were drivers; and 1.2% were cyclists

So as to not become a statistic, motorists are urged to conduct routine checks on cars (tyres, engines, fluids), to buckle up, and drive safely to ensure this is a happy Easter holiday.

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