A national clamp down is in the offing to ensure all people in vehicles use safety belts, Transport Minister Ben Martins said on Monday.

Releasing the preliminary Easter holiday death toll in Pretoria, Martins said most South Africans did not understand the importance of safety belts.

"Our people are so relaxed with the [use of] safety belts. They tell you that it is uncomfortable. With that frame of mind we still have a serious challenge," he said.