The upcoming long weekend and Easter holiday is one of the most significant periods on the national calendar in South Africa – deeply rooted in the country’s rich religious and cultural traditions and marked by millions of people travelling far and wide to gather with loved ones, attend places of worship, and observe this sacred time. With the upcoming long weekend set to bring increased traffic volumes across the country, Easter also remains one of the busiest and most high-risk periods on South Africa’s roads.
“As families prepare to travel this April, we at Budget Insurance 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 leading insurer’s continued efforts in research revealed through its 2025 data, that most crashes occur between 9pm and 10pm, which is mostly a result of fatigue and roads being less visible at night. “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
The good news is that the 2025 Easter weekend recorded the lowest number of crashes and fatalities in the last three years. According to the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, crashes were reduced from 209 in 2024 to 141 in 2025 which is a 32.5 percent overall decrease compared to 2024. While Fatalities were reduced from 307 in 2024 to 167 in 2025 which is a 45.6 percent decrease. South Africans can play their part to improve the numbers this year by continuing to adhere to the rules of the roads. Moreover, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) have also committed to being present on major routes during the Easter weekend.
Beyond the dangers associated with long‑distance travel, drunken driving has long been a major contributor to fatal crashes. Encouragingly, this is an area that has also shown meaningful improvement. In fact, Budget Insurance data indicates a 14% year‑on‑year decline in claims related 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.
This holiday season, Ngibe encourages drivers to keep the following in mind:
- Check the road worthiness of your vehicle well ahead of your trip.
- Remember, you share the road with others. Even if you drive carefully, not everyone does – so it’s important to have vehicle insurance in place for added protection.
- Drive within the speed limits and avoid reckless overtaking.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Take breaks to avoid fatigue caused by long-distance travel. The goal is to arrive at your destination safely.
- When travelling in groups with more than one licenced driver, give each other turns to rest.
- Avoid overloads in passengers and ensure that luggage is secured.
- Avoid being distracted while driving, including cell phone use.
“Budget Insurance is committed to ongoing advocacy, encouraging South Africans to be extra vigilant on the road during this season.” Adds Ngibe.
“Everyone on the road has a role to play, and we must actively practice responsible behaviour to ensure safer roads for all. Let’s work together this holiday season to create safer journeys and joyful celebrations, so that every trip ends with loved ones arriving home safely,” he concludes.
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