By Rorisang Modiba
- Police stopped over 374,000 vehicles at 321 roadblocks across the country and arrested more than 500 people for drunk driving.
- Road deaths dropped to 291 this year from 356 in 2025 while the number of fatal crashes decreased by 16.7%.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy says road safety efforts are making a difference as South Africa enters the busy Easter travel period.
Police stopped and checked more than 374,000 vehicles at 321 roadblocks across the country. During these checks, 122 vehicles that were not safe to be on the road were removed.
Another 1,147 vehicles were taken because of permit problems. More than 500 drivers were arrested for drunk driving.
Others were arrested for speeding and walking where they should not. Creecy said road deaths dropped to 291 this year. This is down from 356 during the same time in 2025.
Fatal crashes also decreased by 16.7%. Six provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape, recorded fewer deaths. The minister recently started the Arrive Alive Easter Road Safety campaign. It focuses on people taking responsibility for their own safety.
High-risk roads like the N1, N2, N3 and N4 are being closely watched. In Johannesburg, 120 drunk drivers were arrested and two deaths were reported. In KwaZulu-Natal, police checked thousands of vehicles. Hundreds of drivers were charged or arrested.
Bus company Putco sent 550 buses to take people to Moria in Limpopo. Creecy said most crashes are caused by how people behave. She asked everyone to follow road rules to keep roads safe.
“More than 80% are caused by human behavior,” she said.
Pictured above: Transport Minister Barbara Creecy.
Image source: Gauteng Roads and Transport Department/Facebook
