Five men die in traffic accidents in second quarter

Five men died in traffic accidents in the second quarter this year, the National Statistics Office said.

The number of reported accidents reached 3,694, a drop of 379 from the corresponding quarter last year. Drops were recorded in all districts, the biggest percentage drop (11 percent) in the west.

The northern harbour district registered the highest number of accidents - 1,396 cases, or 37.8 percent.

The NSO said that in the period under review, 301 traffic casualties were reported with 178 drivers sustaining injuries -142 slight, 32 grievous. Four drivers died. Another 22 people - 11 passengers and 11 pedestrians, suffered grievous injuries, 100 - 77 passengers and 23 pedestrians, slight. One pedestrian died.

The highest accident rate was recorded on Thursdays, the lowest on Sundays. Sunday, however, topped the casualty to accident ratio.

A total 73.8 percent of casualties involved passenger cars while 15.3 percent involved motorcycles.

Most accidents were in Birkirkara, followed by Qormi and Marsa.