Fewer traffic accidents in second quarter

Traffic accidents in the second quarter of this year fell by 379 to 3,694 when compared to that of last year.

The National Statistics Office said that although drops were recorded in all districts, the majority of accidents occurred in the west. However, the northern harbour district once again had the highest number of traffic accidents, 1,396, or 37.8 per cent, of the total.

Birkirkara saw the highest rate of traffic accidents with 209, followed by Qormi and Marsa with 208 and 185 respectively.

During the same period, 178 drivers suffered injuries, 142 slight and 32 grievous. Four died. Another 22, 11 passengers and 11 pedestrians, suffered grievous injuries and 77 passengers and 23 pedestrians were slightly hurt. One pedestrian died.

Most casualties were between 40 and 59 years old.

The highest number of traffic casualties occurred on Saturdays and Sundays, accounting for 34.9 per cent of the total casualties. However, the highest accident rate was on Thursdays, totalling 590, and the lowest on Sundays with 376.

The NSO said that 73.9 per cent of casualties involved a car and 15.3 per cent a motorcycle.