Easter Holiday Traffic Surge Demands Safer Roads and Smarter Fleet Management

As South Africa heads into the Easter holiday season, national roads are expected to see a dramatic increase in traffic — and with that, a rise in road risks. For transport and logistics companies, the period presents both opportunity and a serious responsibility: keeping drivers, freight, and all road users safe.

Industry leaders are warning that the collapse of South Africa’s rail system has led to a sharp increase in freight traffic on national roads, with truck volumes soaring. According to Gavin Kelly, CEO of the Road Freight Association (RFA), the rail system’s lack of capacity has forced logistics firms to turn to road freight – a shift that’s unfortunately linked to rising road accidents.

“The collapse of rail services is a driver in the demand for more road freight – purely because there is no alternative for land freight,” Kelly says.

Human Error Still the Leading Cause

Statistics back up the urgency:

• In 2022, 77% of light motor vehicle crashes and 85% of truck crashes on the N3 were caused by human error.

• Trucks accounted for 57.3% of all crashes on that route.

• Nationally, heavy load vehicles make up only 3.3% of registered vehicles, but contribute to 9.4% of fatal road crashes, according to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

These figures underscore the need for enhanced driver training, safer vehicle conditions, and smart technologies that can reduce risk.

Michelin Urges Smarter, Safer Practices

Leading global tyre brand Michelin is advocating for proactive safety practices among truck drivers and fleet owners this Easter.

“Peak holiday seasons can mean safer roads and better business – but only when the right tools and checks are in place,” says Charl Lensley, B2B Sales Director at Michelin.

Some of Michelin’s top pre-trip safety tips for truck drivers include:

• Check tyre inflation and damage

• Inspect wheel nuts and sidewalls for cuts or bulges

• Ensure adequate tread depth

These basic checks, while simple, are essential — because tyres are the only point of contact between a truck and the road.

Smart Fleet Tech to the Rescue

Fleet operators are also being encouraged to use advanced fleet management systems, which help monitor driving behaviour and prevent risky situations before they escalate.

Shivani Pillay, Country Manager for MICHELIN Connected Fleet, says technology can bridge the gap between human error and road safety.

“With smart cameras and real-time alerts, we can identify dangerous habits like using a phone, not wearing seatbelts, or following too closely — and help correct them quickly,” Pillay explains.

Other benefits of these solutions include:

• Monitoring driver fatigue and harsh braking

• Planning safer, more efficient routes

• Spotting maintenance needs early, especially on tyres

Road Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

As South Africans hit the road this Easter, fleet managers, logistics firms, and everyday drivers alike must do their part to create safer road environments. That includes maintaining vehicles, following speed limits, avoiding distractions, and using data-driven tools where possible.

“Proactive safety and informed decisions don’t just save lives—they save businesses money and make our roads more sustainable,” Pillay concludes.

This Easter, let’s make safety the top priority—for logistics workers, travellers, and every road user navigating the busy roads ahead.

{Source Auto Forum}

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