Males Almost Twice As Likely To Be Injured In Traffic, NSO Study Finds As Accidents And Casualties Keep On Rising
Road traffic accidents and casualties are on the rise once again in the first quarter of 2023 – and males have been almost twice as likely to be injured than females.
The National Statistics Office data finds that in the first quarter of 2023, road traffic accidents have increased at a rate of 6.3% compared to the same period last year. Casualties have increased at a rate of 13.3%.
Across the board, both sexes have been more likely so far this year than last to be injured in traffic accidents.
Despite this respective increase, casualties affecting females have increased at a slower rate – seven more overall – while the rate of increase in males’ injuries has been starker – a total of 36 more.
On top of this, 243 males have been injured in accidents in this year’s first quarter – which is almost double the 124 females who have been injured by passing traffic.
What this latter statistic has meant – in real terms – is that all four of this year’s first-quarter traffic fatalities have been male.
In the seemingly never-ending stream of traffic accident news, some might not be surprised to find that traffic accidents and casualties are continuing their steady climb.
The most recent horrific news of traffic tragedy will not have been included in this first quarter study.
Whereas the most accident-prone day of the week last year was Monday, this year’s first quarter has been marked by accidents occurring later in the week – 16.2% of crashes have occurred on Thursday.
So far this year, Birkirkara has been the most accident-prone area – while Gozo has remained the safest area for motorists. Gozo has actually experienced a 9.3% decrease in reported traffic accidents since this time last year.
This decrease makes Gozo the only region to have experienced a reduction in traffic accidents.
Traffic accidents have been on the rise, and authorities have done little about it. Tackling this growing problem requires initiative and political will amongst those in power.
Evidence of this political will is scarce, potentially because actual solutions would require a radical upheaval of Malta’s car culture.
Implementing such solutions would be difficult, but they could take a lot of pressure off of our untenable infrastructure – and save lives in the process.
It isn’t just motorists being affected by the frequency of accidents increasing. Those seeking not to drive are also being impacted.
While there has been one less pedestrian or cyclist fatality in the first quarter of 2023 than the previous year – the occurrence of both “grievous” and “slight” harm to people in these groups has increased.
Be safe out there. Particularly on Thursdays. And even more so if you’re male.
Are you surprised by these statistics?
READ NEXT: Maltese Runners Raise €375,000 From 200km Charity Run For Troubled Youngsters
