The number of reported traffic accidents in the second quarter this year totalled 4,073, an increase of 37 cases over the same quarter last year, the National Statistics Office said.

The northern district was the only one which registered a decrease in traffic accidents. The northern harbour district registered the highest number of accidents - 1,565 cases, or 38.4 percent of the total.

In the period under review, 313 traffic casualties were reported. Of these, 194 drivers suffered 156 slight injuries, and 35 were grievously injured. Three drivers were killed. During the same period, 32 other persons – 14 passengers and 18 pedestrians – suffered grievous injuries, while 87 – 60 passengers and 27 pedestrians – were slightly injured.

76 per cent of casualties were caused in accidents involving passenger cars while 14.4 per cent were caused by motorcycles.

As regards single days, the highest rate of traffic casualties (17.9 per cent of the total) were recorded on Thursdays. However, nearly 40 per cent of all traffic casualties occurred during weekends.

Qormi was the locality with the highest rate of traffic accidents, with 235 cases. Birkirkara and Marsa came close, with 233 and 213 reported accidents respectively.