Around these times in the new year does a publication release a shocking statistic study of many unfortunate incidents that happen on our roads spanning the festive season however this time around there is a upside and good angle to report.
For the first time in a long time, 2025/2026 festive season road fatality statistics that were carefully compiled and curated by MasterDrive, revealed that not only did the fatality rate decrease by 5% compared to last year but there was also the lowest number of crashes in the last five years as well. This means that 75 less people died on our roads this season.
Despite the 5% decrease, 1 427 people still did not make it home during the 2025/2026 festive period. The Minster of Transport, Barbara Creecy, expressed the reality of these decreases which is that it remains a ‘reason for national shame.’ It still represents over 1 400 families that will now start the new year with tragedy and additional challenges rather than hope and expectation.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the decrease now returns South Africa’s road fatality rate to the 2023/2024 level. “Last year’s fatality rate increased by 5%. While even one life saved is an achievement, the current decrease is more of a return to gains made previously rather than representing new progress.
"Ultimately, a 5% decrease is a return to where we were at the start of the downward trend in fatalities. The objective should be sustained, year-on-year decreases that build on previous achievements, not merely recovering lost ground. True progress is consistently moving beyond previous improvements, not oscillating around the same baseline."
Additionally, Creecy noted that crashes involving alcohol remain a significant issue. “It was noted that in current society, a law allowing one to drink before driving, should not exist. It is worth noting that the law does not allow drinking and driving but is a regulation of BAC levels in order to drive safely.
“Additionally, a 0-BAC bringing about the needed change is also highly unlikely. Over 8 000 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence during the 2025/2026 season. If it was illegal to drink at all when driving, would this lower the number of drunk drivers on the road? Unlikely. Instead, it requires systemic change over time that alters societal attitudes toward drink driving.”
As we start the new year, let us keep the loss of 1,427 human lives in mind but also under that going forward, this is a great signal for the people of Mzansi, showing that together with the relevant traffic authorities present and if the commuters continue respecting road rules and mitigations put in place, we can all lower and ultimately prevent accidents on the roads and get people home safely.