The RMI has welcomed the preliminary Easter road safety statistics released by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, which indicate a significant decline in both fatal crashes and fatalities over the 2026 Easter period.
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The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) has expressed its approval of the recent preliminary road safety statistics released by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, indicating a noteworthy decline in both fatal crashes and fatalities during the 2026 Easter period.
According to figures from the Department of Transport, there was a decrease of over 18% in road fatalities and a nearly 17% drop in fatal crashes compared to the same period last year.
The RMI commends the intensified efforts by government and law enforcement agencies, including increased roadblocks, heightened visibility, and stricter enforcement along high-risk routes.
“Any reduction in road fatalities is encouraging and must be recognised,” remarked Ipeleng Mabusela, CEO of the RMI. “The coordinated efforts by authorities, particularly around enforcement and awareness, are clearly having a positive impact.”
However, Mabusela cautions against focusing solely on driver behaviour as the key to road safety interventions. “While we acknowledge that human behaviour contributes significantly to road crashes, we cannot overlook the role that vehicle condition plays in overall road safety. A vehicle that is not roadworthy poses a serious risk, regardless of how responsible the driver may be,” he explained.
With the national vehicle parc averaging 10.8 years, the RMI continues to advocate for Periodic Vehicle Testing, a measure it has consistently promoted as an effective tool for reducing the estimated R205 billion annual cost of road crashes.
Mabusela underscored the importance of adopting a vehicle-first approach, particularly as the largest sector of the car parc poses the highest risk segment yet is subject to the least regulation.
This past Easter period, more than 120 vehicles were discontinued due to defects rendering them unroadworthy.
“This highlights the ongoing challenge of poorly maintained vehicles on South Africa’s roads,” Mabusela pointed out, adding, “The fact that vehicles are still being removed from our roads due to critical defects is a clear indication that more needs to be done to promote regular vehicle maintenance and compliance.”
IOL