Traffic accidents decrease, but fatalities rise

The number of traffic accidents decreased in the third quarter of this year when compared to the same period last year, but there were nine fatalities, the NSO said this morning.

The number of reported traffic accidents reached 3,419, a decrease of 379 cases over the corresponding quarter last year. Drops were recorded in all districts, the highest percentage decrease occurring in the South Eastern district (18.9 per cent).

The Northern Harbour district registered the most accidents: 1,257 cases, or 36.8 per cent of the total.

In the period under review, 300 traffic casualties were reported. Of these, 175 drivers sustained injuries, of which 34 were grievous.

Five drivers, three passengers and a pedestrian were killed in traffic accidents. There were six fatalities int he third quarter of last year.

During this period, 29 other persons (13 passengers and 16 pedestrians) suffered grievous injuries, while 92 (73 passengers and 19 pedestrians) were slightly injured.

The majority of casualties were in the 25-39 age group. 73.7 per cent of casualties were caused by passenger cars while 16.0 per cent were caused by motorcycles.

The highest traffic casualty rate occurred on Sundays, accounting for a fifth of total casualties. The highest accident rate was recorded on Wednesdays, totalling 547 cases, and the lowest was recorded on Sundays, with 359 cases. However, Sundays topped the highest casualty-to-accident ratios.

Most accidents occurred between 9 am and noon, with 757 cases, or 22.1 percent of the total.

St. Paul's Bay registered the highest rate of traffic accidents, with 206 cases. Birkirkara and Marsa were next, with 188 and 185 reported accidents respectively.