South Africa saw 1,427 road deaths in the 2025/26 holidays, a 5% drop despite a surge in drunk driving arrests and fatal crashes.

South Africa recorded 1,427 road fatalities during the 2025/26 festive season, a 5% drop in both deaths and crashes—the lowest crash count in five years—despite a 144% surge in drunk driving arrests. While five provinces saw declines, Gauteng, the Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape reported increases, with most crashes occurring between December 15 and 28. Alcohol-related incidents rose sharply, with 8,561 drivers testing positive, including one with a reading 14 times the legal limit and another speeding at 222 km/h. Authorities also arrested 89 people attempting to bribe officers. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy called the fatality rate unacceptable and announced plans to amend the National Road Traffic Act to implement a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving.