Road deaths increase slightly in 2025 as speeding remains major cause

A total of 124 fatal road accidents resulting in 137 deaths have been recorded for the year 2025, marking a slight increase when compared to 2024, according to Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh.

Singh, speaking with the News Room on Friday, pointed out that while the increase may appear minimal, it remains a serious concern. In 2024, there were 117 fatal accidents resulting in 132 deaths.

“Even though the increase is small, it is still an increase, because one death or one fatal accident is one too many,” he stated.

According to the Traffic Chief speeding and driver inattentiveness continue to be the primary causes of fatal accidents. He explained that many drivers lose control of their vehicles due to excessive speed, particularly when they are unfamiliar with the roads they are using.

“As a result of speeding, drivers often lose control and collide with multiple vehicles, or their vehicles turn turtle, leading to the deaths of themselves or other road users,” Singh said.

He noted that authorities have recognised speeding as a persistent trend over time and, in response, the Safe Road Intelligence System, which includes speed cameras, is currently being rolled out nationwide.

The Traffic Chief said law enforcement agencies will continue their traffic enforcement and road safety education exercises, but stressed that meaningful change ultimately depends on drivers themselves.

“At the end of the day, personal responsibility will determine the level of discipline with which the road is used, along with voluntary compliance by drivers,” Singh said.

He added that without greater discipline and acceptance of responsibility by motorists, there will be little change in attitudes or behaviour on the country’s roads.

“If there isn’t compliance and a greater level of discipline in how the roads are used, then there would be no real change,” Singh warned.