The topic of road safety has been thrust into the spotlight, as the number of road fatalities continues to climb. This also comes as South Africans inch closer to the Easter holiday period which is synonymous with increased traffic volumes on the nation’s roads.

In one of the latest incidents, two people died on the N2 highway near Knysna during the early hours of Thursday morning. The Western Cape Mobility Department confirmed the crash, explaining that a heavy motor vehicle had overturned and caught alight.

Holidaymakers will be making use of long-distance buses to travel to and from religious pilgrimages, homesteads in small town and rural areas for the fast-approaching long weekend.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation says the staggering number of injuries and road deaths associated with passenger transport and long-distance travel on roads calls for urgent interventions.

RTMC has highlighted the use of seatbelts which plays a pivotal role in preventing and reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities. A recent study was conducted by the corporation, along with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research which proved that bus fatalities and injuries accounted for 21% of al fatal and injuries statistics recorded nationally between 2018 and 2024.

During the same time, an alarming 580 fatalities were recorded in 62 bus crashes. 986 serious injuries were reported to have been sustained in those road accidents.

“Indications remain that properly worn seatbelts can prevent passengers from being thrown from their seats during sudden stops or collisions, thereby reducing the likelihood of severe injuries. Seatbelts prevent occupant interactions, contact with the bus interior, and ejection during crashes” the study said.

READ MORE: Road carnage claims more than 1 500 lives over the festive season