AS South Africans prepare for the Easter long weekend — a time of reflection, family gatherings, and travel — the excitement is tempered by a sobering reality: the potential sharp increase in road accidents and fatalities.

Despite encouraging declines in vehicle accident claims over the past two years, authorities have warned that vigilance remains critical. With traffic volumes surging, public transport operators under scrutiny, and medical expenses escalating beyond what standard insurance covers, this Easter season demands preparation, responsibility, and collective action.

Insurance claims data submitted by members of the SA Insurance Association (Saia) to an industry database revealed a mixed but concerning trend. During the height of the Covid-19 lockdown in 2021, Saia recorded 62 963 motor accident claims for that year’s Easter season. The following year saw a staggering 42% spike, with claims rising to 89 655 after the easing of pandemic restrictions.

Interestingly, the figures began to drop in subsequent years, with claims declining by 18% in 2023 to 73 571, and a further 4% reduction last year, bringing the total to 70 378. While these declines have been encouraging, they highlight that accidents during the Easter season remain alarmingly high.

Lebohang Tsotetsi, insurance risks manager at Saia, said: “While the non-life insurance industry saw a reduction in claims from 2022 to 2024, the Easter period remains critical for road safety. The drop in claims from 2022 to 2024 is encouraging, but accidents still occur at high rates during the holiday period. Motorists need to stay vigilant and drive defensively as traffic volumes increase.”

These statistics align with the *2024 State of Road Safety Report for the Easter Weekend*, which revealed 236 fatal crashes, resulting in 335 fatalities — a staggering 32.9% increase in fatalities and a 14.01% rise in fatal crashes compared to 2023. Human factors accounted for 94.6% of these crashes, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance during this busy period.

With the Easter peak travel period fast approaching, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and traffic authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure road safety and compliance with regulations. Public transport operators, motorists, and pedestrians alike have been urged to prioritise safety as travel volumes surge.

The RTMC’s advocate Makhosini Msibi, this week issued a stern warning to public transport operators: “As the Easter peak travel period fast approaches, RMTC and traffic authorities are reminding public transport operators to ensure that their vehicles and drivers are fit to be on the road and comply with all regulations.”

Public transport operators have been advised to take critical steps to avoid falling afoul of the law. “Public transport operators are advised to ensure that they have appropriate permits that allow them to transport passengers on particular routes,” said Msibi. Additionally, operators must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the transportation of goods and passengers. “They are also urged to use trailers to load goods and avoid mixing them with passengers,” he said.

Illegal operators attempting to exploit the high demand for transportation during this busy period have been placed on notice. “Illegal operators are also cautioned to desist from taking advantage of the increased demand for transportation as law enforcement authorities will be out in full might to ensure compliance with all road regulations,” Msibi cautioned.

The consequences of non-compliance are severe. Since the start of the Easter campaign on March 20 this year, a staggering 1 155 vehicles have been impounded nationwide. Owners face hefty fines to reclaim their vehicles, while passengers endure significant inconvenience. Mpumalanga tops the list with 792 vehicles impounded, followed by Limpopo (88), Western Cape (87), Gauteng (78), North West (39), KwaZulu-Natal (37), Free State (31), and Eastern Cape (3). Notably, no vehicles have been impounded in the Northern Cape so far.

Msibi concluded with a powerful reminder: “Authorities will not hesitate to impound vehicles operating contrary to the provisions of the National Transport Act. Let us all work together to make this Easter season safe and memorable for the right reasons.”

For families embarking on holiday travels, the importance of comprehensive insurance — such as gap cover — becomes undeniable. This financial safety net ensures that the aftermath of an accident does not translate into crippling medical bills, allowing South Africans to focus on what truly matters — celebrating the holidays with peace of mind.

“Medical expenses can quickly escalate beyond what standard medical aid covers. This is where gap cover becomes crucial. It acts as a safety net that covers the shortfalls between what medical aids pay and the actual costs incurred during hospital stays or treatments,” chief executive of Turnberry Management Risk Solutions, Tony Singleton, said.

Singleton highlighted how gap cover products provide tangible benefits: “For instance, Turnberry offers a casualty benefit that includes cover for facility fees, doctors’ fees, radiology, and emergency medical interventions — even if the patient is not admitted to the hospital.”

Without gap coverage, individuals may find themselves facing substantial out-of-pocket expenses after an accident. “This financial burden can be overwhelming, especially during a period when many are already spending on travel and festivities,” Singleton said.

To ensure full protection, it’s essential that gap cover products are designed to address a wide range of scenarios, including:

Accidental injuries from road accidents or other incidents
Costs associated with using non-designated service providers
Increased medical aid rates up to 600% to cover hospital expense shortfalls

Singleton said comprehensive coverage was not just about financial security, emphasising that it was about enabling families to focus on recovery and celebration rather than worrying about medical bills.

Authorities have issued clear guidance for motorists and pedestrians to mitigate risks during this busy period. Msibi reiterated the importance of vehicle maintenance before embarking on trips.

“Motorists are advised to check the weather forecast and avoid driving through storms and heavy rains when visibility is not clear. Vehicles must be fitted with properly functioning wipers to assist with visibility. Safety-critical components such as brakes, tires, and lights must also be in good working order before trips are undertaken,” he said.

Traffic volumes are expected to spike significantly on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning as travellers head to holiday destinations and places of worship. Monday is also anticipated to be a busy day for return journeys.

Several key routes are expected to experience heavy congestion, including the N1 (Gauteng to Limpopo and Free State), N2 (KwaZulu-Natal to Eastern Cape), N3 (Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal), N4 (Gauteng to Mpumalanga and North West), R61 (Western Cape to Eastern Cape), and the N2 (Western Cape to Eastern Cape).

To assist weary drivers, rest stops will be operational at Sasol filling stations along these routes. These stops aim to provide a safe space for drivers to take breaks and combat fatigue during long-distance travel.

Pedestrians, too, have been called upon to play their part in ensuring road safety. “I call on pedestrians to also play their part and avoid crossing the roads at undesignated areas during the busy period,” Msibi urged. This plea highlighted the shared responsibility of all road users in preventing accidents.

Tsotetsi echoed this sentiment, emphasising the role of defensive driving: “Stay alert and avoid distractions; anything can happen in an instant. Your life is more important than that text. Practice defensive driving: obey road rules, maintain a safe distance, drive within speed limits, and adjust your driving in bad weather and congested traffic.”

Tsotetsi sent a powerful message for all road users: “Road safety is a shared responsibility. By understanding the risks, motorists can make informed and positive decisions to reduce accidents. The holiday season should be for making cherished memories, not dealing with preventable accidents. Remember, prepare your vehicle, update your insurance, stay alert, and drive defensively.”

Singleton said: “The Easter weekend should be a time of joy and reflection; however, it also comes with heightened risks on the country’s roads. Ensuring adequate insurance coverage will help safeguard against potential mishaps that could overshadow the holiday. Investing in gap cover provides peace of mind against unexpected medical expenses resulting from accidents.”

As citizens hit the roads this Easter, the message is clear: Preparation is key. Comprehensive insurance, combined with responsible driving, can significantly reduce the risks associated with holiday travel. By investing in gap cover, staying vigilant, and adhering to road safety measures, families can protect themselves from both physical harm and financial distress.

Let this Easter be remembered not for its accidents but for its moments of joy, reflection, and togetherness. Authorities, insurers, and citizens must work together to make the country’s roads safer for everyone this holiday season — and beyond.

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Easter is upon us: A season of reflection, risks, and responsibility