The hard lockdown over the 2020 Easter period saw the usage of roads in South Africa reduced by 70%, according to Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula.
However, road trips are expected to increase this Easter holiday with South Africa’s Covid-19 lockdown having been relieved to alert level 1.
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa announced the lowering of restrictions late in February, to be implemented from 1 March. Freedom of movement across provincial borders are allowed on this level.
The Easter weekend is traditionally recognised as a period of busy roads, with accidents and accompanying injuries and loss of life due to unsafe driving, irresponsible pedestrian behaviour and unroadworthy vehicles increasing. The country recorded 26 fatal accidents during Easter 2020. This is believed to be the lowest in history, thanks to lockdown regulations.
The Free State and Northern Cape recorded no fatal accidents, while other provinces recorded between three and seven fatalities each.
