Fewer traffic accidents in Malta, more in Gozo

The number of traffic accidents fell in Malta but grew in Gozo in the first quarter of the year, the NSO said today.

It said in a statement that the number of reported traffic accidents reached 3,402, a drop of 237 cases or 6.5 percent over the corresponding quarter last year.

Drops were recorded in most districts, the biggest, of 9.5 percent, in the northern harbour district.

An increase of 2.9 percent was registered in Gozo and Comino.

The NSO said that in the first four months, 226 traffic casualties were reported. Injuries were sustained by 118 drivers - 100 slight and 18 grievous.

Another 87 people – 61 passengers and 26 pedestrians – suffered slight injuries and 21 – 7 passengers and 14 pedestrians – grievous ones.

The highest traffic-casualty rates were on Thursdays and Saturdays, both accounting for 18.1 percent of the total. The highest accident rate was recorded on Mondays, totalling 526 cases and the lowest on Sundays, with 341 cases.

A total 81.6 percent of casualties were caused by passenger cars while 7.5 percent were caused by motorcycles.

The biggest number of traffic accidents - 236, took place in Birkirkara, followed by Qormi and Msida with 210 and 190 reported accidents, respectively.