Six traffic fatalities between January and March

There were six traffic fatalities in the first three months of this year.

The National Statistics Office said that in the first quarter, the number of reported traffic accidents reached 3,302, a decrease of 100 cases or 2.9 per cent over the corresponding quarter last year.

Drops were recorded in the southern and northern harbour districts, with the highest percentage decrease occurring in the latter (6.5 per cent). On the other hand, the western district registered the highest percentage increase (5.9 per cent) in traffic accidents.

280 traffic casualties were reported, including163 which involved drivers. There were two driver fatalities. 137 injuries in this group were slight and the other 24 were reported as grievous.

During this period, nine passengers and 15 pedestrians suffered grievous injuries, while 65 passengers and 24 pedestrians were slightly injured.

Two passengers and two pedestrians suffered fatal injuries.

The NSO said that 83.9 per cent of traffic casualties were caused by passenger cars, followed by goods-carrying vehicles at 7.9 per cent. 6.8 per cent were caused by motorcycles.

The highest traffic casualty rate occurred on Sundays, accounting for 24.3 per cent of total casualties. The highest accident rate was recorded on Thursdays, totalling 522 cases, the lowest on Sundays, with 353 cases.

However, Sundays topped the highest casualty to accidents ratio.

Most accidents (729) occurred between noon and 2.59 p.m.

Birkirkara registered the highest rate of traffic accidents, with 212 cases.

Qormi and Msida were next, with 200 and 189 reported accidents respectively.