There were three fatalities in the first quarter of 2008, all of which were males. The number of reported traffic accidents reached 3,639, a decrease of 224 cases or 5.8 per cent than the corresponding quarter last year. All Malta regions registered decreases. The highest decrease in such accidents was registered in the Northern Harbour district, down by 83 cases or 5.1 per cent.

On the other hand, Gozo and Comino was the only region registering increases, up by 9.6 per cent. In the period under review, 263 traffic casualties were reported. Of these, 161 drivers sustained injuries: 125 suffered slight injuries, 34 suffered grievous ones, while the injuries to two drivers proved fatal. During the same period, 77 other persons – 53 passengers and 24 pedestrians – suffered slight injuries while 24 – 14 passengers and 10 pedestrians – suffered grievous ones. In addition to the two driver fatalities, one pedestrian sustained fatal injuries.

On a gender basis, slightly-injured persons in the first quarter of 2008 numbered 202: 119 males and 83 females. Grievously-injured persons came up to 58, the majority being males. The three fatalities in this quarter were all males. The largest number in respect of both male and female casualties, was in the 25-39 age group.

76.4 per cent of casualties were caused by passenger cars while 11.4 per cent were caused by motorcycles. In this quarter, the highest rate of traffic casualties was recorded on Mondays, with 20.5 per cent of the total. However, 45.2 per cent of all traffic casualties occurred during weekends, between Friday and Sunday.

In the period under review, Birkirkara was the locality with the highest rate of traffic accidents, with 240 cases. Qormi and Msida were close, with 227 and 214 reported accidents respectively.

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