The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on religious leaders to encourage road safety amongst church congregants.
These holidays are characterised by high road traffic volumes with many road users travelling to various religious and holiday destinations on the major corridors, which are expected to reach peak levels.
“In the light of anticipated Easter holiday pilgrimage by congregants across the country and Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, many people will be traveling either using private vehicles or hired public transport.
“Previously many congregants perished while going or returning from the Easter pilgrimages. It is in this context that religious leaders are called upon to spread road safety messages during these Easter holidays,” the RTMC said.
The 2025 Easter weekend spans from Good Friday (18 April) to Easter Monday ( 21 April), with Easter Sunday falling on 20 April 2025.
All pastors have been encouraged to deliberately incorporate these messages in their sermons.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It cannot be left in government's hands alone. Organisers of these trips must also plan their trips thoroughly to ensure that their drivers rest sufficiently along the way.
“Public transport operators must also ensure that the vehicles they are transporting churchgoers with are roadworthy and not overloaded. It is possible to have a crash-free Easter long weekend if all drivers play their part by obeying the rules of the road," it said.
While traffic law enforcement officers and security will be highly visible on various roads working closely with all role players, motorists have been urged to come to the party by respecting the rules of the road.
Last month, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy launched of the 2025 Easter Season Road Safety Arrive Alive campaign, which started on 20 March and will run until 2 May 2025.
The objective of the campaign is not only to ensure smooth flows of traffic but also prevent negligent and reckless driving which could result in road crashes, injuries and fatalities.
The campaign is being held under the theme: “It begins with Me.”
“We chose this theme because driver and pedestrian behaviour is responsible for 87% of road accidents and fatalities in our country. And so, reducing road fatalities and accidents is the responsibility of each one of us,” Creecy said at the launch.
Road users have been encouraged to follow these tips:
Before any journey ensure you:
- Check your vehicle and make sure it is roadworthy.
- Carry a valid driver’s license.
- Make sure your public driving permit is in order if you need one.
If you are a pedestrian this festive season, make smart choices and:
- Only cross the road at a marked intersection or pedestrian crossing.
- Avoid jaywalking.
- Wear bright clothing at night.
-
If you are on the long road, take a break every two hours or every 200 kilometres.
- SAnews.gov.za
