Western Cape sees slight decline in road fatalities over Easter weekend

The Western Cape Government has expressed cautious optimism regarding the slight decline in road-related fatalities observed over the 2025 Easter weekend, yet it continues to urge road users to make responsible choices, particularly with another long weekend on the horizon. The province remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users, as evidenced by the active involvement of teams from the Mobility and Health and Wellness Departments throughout the peak travel period.

From April 17 to 21, a total of 22 fatal crashes were recorded, tragically resulting in the loss of 22 lives. This represents a decline from the 26 road fatalities reported during the 2024 Easter period. The breakdown of fatalities reveals a concerning trend: 14 occurred on municipal roads and 8 on provincial routes, predominantly in the Cape Metro area. Among the lives lost, the statistics indicate a distressing reality: 14 pedestrians, 5 passengers, 2 drivers, and 1 motorcyclist succumbed to fatal incidents.

The Provincial Traffic Services of the Western Cape Mobility Department were actively engaged, conducting 784 integrated operations, which included roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control measures. Their efforts yielded significant results: over 30,000 vehicles were stopped for inspection, and more than 19,000 fines were issued for various infractions. Notably, a staggering 8,714 speeding violations were recorded, alongside 226 arrests, 181 of which were for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were equally active, logging a total of 7,988 incidents over the weekend. The nature of these calls highlights the challenges faced by emergency responders, with the most frequent being non-cardiac pain (1,505 calls), respiratory complaints (1,049), and assault-related injuries (597). Transport-related emergencies included 85 pedestrian vehicle accidents and 104 motor vehicle accidents, highlighting the dire reality of road safety in the region.

Hospitals experienced a surge in demand as well, managing 16,395 patient episodes during this time. The Hospital Emergency Centre Trauma Information System (HECTIS) reported that 3,624 cases were trauma-related, while the remaining 12,476 involved non-trauma cases. The Forensic Pathology Service responded to various fatalities, including 23 fatal shootings, 6 confirmed suicides, and one drowning, underscoring the pervasive issues affecting the province

Minister Mireille Wenger reflected on these figures, stating, “The sustained demand on our healthcare services highlights the vital role our healthcare workers play across the province—responding with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Each call and each hospital visit represents a person in crisis.” She stressed the shared responsibility of preventing trauma and urged residents to practice road safety and treat healthcare workers with respect.

Muneera Allie, Head of Communication for the Western Cape Mobility Department, echoed these sentiments. “While it is encouraging to see a reduction in road fatalities this Easter compared to last year, we must not lose sight of the fact that every life lost is one too many.” She called for adherence to road rules and cautioned against reckless behaviour, emphasising that a safer province is achievable only through collective effort.

The Western Cape Government extends heartfelt gratitude to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Emergency Centre (EC), and Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) teams, as well as Provincial and Municipal Traffic Law Enforcement officers for their unwavering dedication over the Easter weekend. Their hard work, often under challenging conditions, ensured a swift response to emergencies and reinforced road safety operations throughout the province.

Moving forward, the Western Cape Government remains committed to prioritising the safety of all road users through ongoing enforcement, education, and partnerships across all levels of government.