BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – The Road Safety Council of Eswatini has released its 2025 road accident statistics, revealing a persistent threat to motorists, pedestrians, and other road users across the country.
The figures underline the urgent need for shared responsibility, stricter law enforcement, and improved road infrastructure to curb fatalities and injuries.
According to the report, Eswatini recorded 6 184 road crashes up to November 2025, resulting in 155 deaths, 356 serious injuries, and 1 362 minor injuries. The statistics point to a worrying pattern of risky behaviour, with speeding identified as the leading cause of fatal crashes.
Other contributing factors include drink-driving, particularly during night-time and weekend hours, and the failure of drivers and passengers to use seatbelts, which significantly increases the risk of death or serious injury. Pedestrians are also exposed to high-risk situations, with both urban and rural areas reporting frequent accidents involving those on foot.
The Road Safety Council emphasised that these numbers reflect not only individual lapses but also systemic issues requiring comprehensive interventions. “These statistics serve as a stark reminder that road safety is a shared responsibility,” the Council said in a statement. “Drivers, pedestrians, and authorities must work together to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries.”
The Council’s recommendations are straightforward yet critical: slow down, avoid alcohol when driving, and always buckle up. Experts also stress the importance of improved traffic law enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and investment in safer road infrastructure.
Data for the report was compiled from the Royal Eswatini Police Service, emergency services, health facilities, and the MVA Fund, highlighting a collaborative effort to monitor and address road safety challenges.
As Eswatini continues to grow and traffic volumes increase, authorities warn that sustained attention to safe driving practices and regulatory compliance is essential to reverse the upward trends in road accidents.
