South Africa’s roads saw a modest but welcome improvement over the 2025/26 festive season, with preliminary data revealing a five percent reduction in fatalities and crashes. The Vehicle Testing Association (VTA), a key constituent of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), has cautiously welcomed these results, while emphasizing that the loss of 1 427 lives in just over a month underscores a persistent road safety crisis.
Progress Amid Persistent Risks
Between 1 December 2025 and 11 January 2026, 1 172 crashes were recorded—the lowest number in five years. While this represents meaningful progress, the concentration of accidents during peak festive periods, coupled with the continued high death toll, signals the need for a more holistic approach to road safety.
Julian Pillay, National Director of the VTA, stresses that while improved enforcement and awareness campaigns are vital, they cannot operate in isolation. “Road safety cannot rely solely on driver behaviour interventions—vehicle fitness must form part of the solution,” he asserts.
Small Vehicles, Big Concerns
Analysis of the festive season data reveals a worrying trend: small motor vehicles accounted for approximately 55% of all crashes. Critically, these vehicles are currently excluded from South Africa’s periodic roadworthiness testing regime.
“Smaller vehicles represent the majority of vehicles on our roads, yet they are not subject to regular, periodic roadworthiness testing,” explains Pillay. “Without comprehensive accident investigations, it is impossible to determine how many of these vehicles may have been mechanically unroadworthy at the time of a crash.”
Even in crashes where driver impairment, including alcohol use, is a factor, the condition of the vehicle can heavily influence both the severity and survivability of an accident. Mechanical failures—ranging from worn tyres and faulty brakes to suspension defects or lighting issues—can turn an otherwise avoidable incident into a fatal one. “Periodic Vehicle Testing is not about blame; it is about prevention,” Pillay emphasizes.
Timing Matters: Beyond the Drive
The festive season data also highlights that more than 40% of crashes and fatalities occurred between 15 and 28 December—often after travellers had reached their destinations and were participating in social activities. This pattern underscores the need for preventative measures that extend beyond enforcement and driver education alone.
A Call for Comprehensive Vehicle Testing
The RMI, together with the VTA, continues to advocate for the phased introduction of Periodic Vehicle Testing (PVT) for all vehicles, aligned with international best practice. Pillay notes that this initiative is not intended to replace existing enforcement and education programs but to complement them.
“If we are serious about reducing fatalities in a sustained and meaningful way, we must address the condition of the vehicles sharing our roads every day,” he concludes. “Periodic testing provides an objective, preventative safeguard that protects all road users.”
As South Africa looks to strengthen road safety outcomes, collaboration between government, industry, and advocacy groups remains essential. The RMI and VTA are committed to ongoing, constructive engagement with the Department of Transport and relevant stakeholders, ensuring that vehicle fitness becomes a cornerstone of a safer, more accountable national road network.
