Traffic accidents up but deaths down in 11-month period

Statistics indicate that the number of traffic accidents rose by 1,163 cases, up 5.67%; deaths declined by 859, down 7.89%; and injuries went up by 1,906, up 13.43% year on year.

Road accidents took the lead with 21,512 documented cases, leaving 9,905 dead and 16,070 injured.

There were 123 railway accidents, claiming 87 lives and injuring 26 people; whilst 50 cases occurred on waterways, leaving 31 dead and six injured.

In an effort to reduce the overall number of traffic accidents, the Government is striving to step up its communication campaign on the obedience of traffic laws, with hefty fines being imposed on drink driving violations.

The police are also getting tough on other offences related to speed limits, luggage overload, traffic light negligence, and valid documentation.