South Africa may still be in April, but the road conditions that define winter driving are already starting to take shape. A recent improvement in Easter road fatality figures is encouraging, yet it should not create a false sense of security. Preliminary 2026 Easter road statistics show that fatalities fell to 291, down from 356 in the same period in 2025, while fatal crashes dropped from 306 to 255. At the same time, drunk-driving arrests surged by 39%, with 934 motorists arrested during the Easter period, just showing how much enforcement was needed over a short holiday stretch.
“Any reduction in fatalities is welcome, but these numbers do not suggest that the roads are becoming easy or safe by default,” says Mike Pashut, Founder and CEO of CHANGECARS. “They show that enforcement is present, but they also remind us that one poor decision, whether it is speeding, fatigue, alcohol or a neglected vehicle fault, can undo all the progress.”
South Africa is moving into a period filled with travel opportunities, including Freedom Day on 27 April, Workers’ Day on 1 May, and Youth Day on 16 June, with many families likely to plan short breaks or road trips around long weekends and school holidays.
The season is also changing in ways drivers feel directly. Through April and May, the sunrise moves later and sunset comes earlier, shortening usable daylight and increasing the chances of driving in darker, colder conditions before and after work. April sunrise is already after 7:00am and sunset closer to 6:00pm, with May bringing even shorter days.
The South African Weather Service’s forecast also pointed to cooler conditions over parts of the country, while its public warnings portal continues to flag active weather risks for the days ahead.
Government has also warned that conflict in the Middle East is increasing pressure on energy markets, prompting a temporary R3-per-litre reduction in the general fuel levy until May, with relief to be reviewed monthly. That means motorists heading into winter face not only more demanding driving conditions, but ongoing uncertainty around travel costs too.
“Winter driving is not only about rain,” says Pashut. “It is about visibility, tyre grip, stopping distance, battery health, fatigue, and being realistic about the condition of your car. If you know more public holidays are coming and you may be travelling, the right time to prepare is now, not the night before you leave.”
Here is Mike Pashut’s five tips for drivers this season:
- “Check tyres first. Grip is very important as more as roads become colder, wetter and more slippery.”
- “Test lights, wipers and your battery before the weather turns properly.”
- “Leave earlier and slow down. Darker mornings and evenings reduce reaction time.”
- “Never mix alcohol and driving, especially during holiday travel periods.”
-
“Budget properly for fuel and maintenance. A road trip is never cheaper than a preventable breakdown.”
“Winter does not forgive complacency,” says Pashut. “A safe trip starts long before you turn the key. It starts with a roadworthy vehicle, a clear head and the discipline to adjust your driving to the conditions in front of you.”