In the fourth quarter of 2009, the number of reported traffic accidents reached 4,362, an increase of 865 cases over the corresponding quarter in 2008. Increases were recorded in all districts, the biggest percentage increase occurring in the Western district (46.4 per cent). The Northern Harbour district registered the highest number of accidents: 1,684 cases, or 38.6 per cent of the total.

In the period under review, 242 traffic casualties were reported. Of these, 145 drivers sustained injuries: 115 and 26 drivers suffered slight and grievous injuries respectively. There were four fatalities among drivers. During this period, 77 other persons (62 passengers and 15 pedestrians) suffered slight injuries, while 17 (six passengers and 11 pedestrians) were grievously injured. Furthermore, the injuries suffered by three persons (one passenger and two pedestrians) proved fatal.

On a gender basis, slightly-injured persons numbered 192: 104 males and 88 females. Grievously- injured persons totalled 43, the majority being males. The fatalities were five males and two females. The majority of casualties were aged 25-39.

74.8 per cent of casualties were caused by passenger cars while 14.0 per cent were caused by motorcycles.

In this quarter, the highest traffic casualty rate occurred on Wednesdays, accounting for 17.8 per cent of total casualties. The highest accident rate was recorded on Fridays, totalling 692 cases, and the lowest was recorded on Sundays, with 456 cases. However, Sundays topped the highest casualty-to-accident ratios.

The daily time bracket in which most accidents occur is between 09:00 and 11:59, with 954 cases, or 21.9 per cent of the total. This is followed by the 12:00-14:59 time bracket with 866 cases. The lowest number of accidents occurring daily took place between 00:00 and 02:59 (111 cases).

In the period under review, Birkirkara registered the highest rate of traffic accidents, with 281 cases. Marsa and Qormi came next, with 263 and 251 reported accidents respectively.

Annual perspective

In 2009, the number of recorded accidents totalled 14,877, a decrease of less than one per cent over 2008. The Northern Harbour district registered the highest number of traffic accidents with 5,742 cases, or 38.6 per cent of the total.

Last year there were 1,069 persons (642 males and 427 females) who suffered injuries due to traffic accidents, of which 21 cases (17 males and four females) proved fatal. In 2009, 75.6 per cent of casualties were caused by passenger cars while 13.6 per cent were caused by motorcycles.

The highest number of accidents in 2009 occurred in Birkirkara, totalling 914 cases, or 6.1 per cent of the total. Qormi and Marsa were next, with 853 and 818 reported accidents respectively.

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