Key Takeaways:
- Human factors account for a high percentage of fatal crashes, with 84% of fatal crashes in the fourth quarter of 2024/2025 and 84.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023/2024 attributed to human error.
- The number of fatal crashes decreased by 11.9% (277) and fatalities decreased by 14.73% (415) in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
- The Eastern Cape had the largest numerical decrease in fatal crashes, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Gauteng.
- Provinces with the highest contributions to fatal crashes were Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, accounting for at least 40% of fatal crashes.
- The period from 4pm to 10pm is the peak time for fatal crashes, with the highest contributing hour being from 7pm to 8pm.
Introduction to Road Safety
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has released data on the number of fatal crashes that occurred between January and March 2025. According to the data, there were 2,050 fatal crashes recorded during this period, compared to 2,327 for the same period in 2024. This represents a decrease of 11.9% (277) in fatal crashes and 14.73% (415) in fatalities. The data highlights the importance of addressing human factors that contribute to fatal crashes, as they account for a significant percentage of all fatal crashes.
Provincial Breakdown
The Eastern Cape had the largest numerical decrease in fatal crashes, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Gauteng. However, provinces with the highest contributions to fatal crashes were Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, accounting for at least 40% of fatal crashes. This suggests that these provinces need to focus on implementing targeted interventions to reduce the number of fatal crashes. The RTMC data also highlights the importance of addressing human factors that contribute to fatal crashes, as they are a major concern in these provinces.
Peak Hours for Fatal Crashes
The period from 4pm to 10pm is the peak time for fatal crashes, with the highest contributing hour being from 7pm to 8pm. This is a critical time period for road users to exercise caution, as the risk of fatal crashes is higher during this time. The RTMC data also highlights the importance of addressing human factors that contribute to fatal crashes, such as reckless and negligent driving, during this peak period.
Types of Fatal Crashes
Most fatal crashes involved pedestrians, accounting for 31.0% of all fatal crashes in the fourth quarter of 2024/2025 and 29.0% in the fourth quarter of 2023/2024. Hit-and-runs were the second most common type of fatal crash, accounting for 22.1% of all fatal crashes in 2024/2025 and 22.3% in 2023/2024. These statistics highlight the need for road users to exercise caution and follow traffic rules to prevent fatal crashes.
Notable Incidents
There have been several notable incidents of fatal crashes in 2025, including a crash on the N18 near Hartswater in the Northern Cape, which resulted in the deaths of five people, including a toddler. Another incident occurred on the N4 between Swartruggens and Groot Marico, where five people lost their lives in a multiple-car crash. These incidents highlight the importance of addressing human factors that contribute to fatal crashes, such as reckless and negligent driving.
Human Factors
Human factors account for a high percentage of fatal crashes, with 84% of fatal crashes in the fourth quarter of 2024/2025 and 84.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023/2024 attributed to human error. The KwaZulu-Natal department of Transport and Human Settlements has reported a decrease in road accidents and fatalities, but human factors remain a major concern in the province. The road traffic inspectorate has charged 111 motorists for speeding and arrested over 1,561 motorists for drunk driving since August 15.
Government Response
The government has responded to the high number of fatal crashes by launching the 2025/26 festive season road safety campaign. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed that the road death toll has been reduced by 700 people in 2025, but more than 9,400 fatalities have still been recorded. The Minister emphasized the importance of addressing human error, whether by pedestrians or drivers, which is responsible for nine out of ten accidents. The government has deployed 800 National Traffic Police officers to Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape to bolster existing provincial capacity and reduce the number of fatal crashes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the data released by the RTMC highlights the importance of addressing human factors that contribute to fatal crashes. The high percentage of fatal crashes attributed to human error emphasizes the need for road users to exercise caution and follow traffic rules. The government’s response to the high number of fatal crashes, including the deployment of National Traffic Police officers, is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of fatal crashes and reduce the number of road fatalities in South Africa.
