Police statistics reveal a grim reality: 27,134 lives have been lost in road accidents across the island over the past decade. These fatalities occurred in 25,704 crashes, out of 248,026 accidents reported between 2016 and 2025.
Although reporting accidents is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, officials say many minor incidents go unreported due to insurance claim practices.
2017 was the deadliest year, recording 2,949 fatal accidents and 3,154 deaths. While fatalities declined in the following years, 2025 saw a sharp rise, with 2,597 fatal crashes and 2,746 deaths—the highest in five years.
Motorcyclists remain the most vulnerable, accounting for over 9,000 deaths in the past decade. Pedestrians follow closely with nearly 8,000 deaths, while drivers and passengers each recorded more than 3,000 fatalities.
Authorities urge stricter enforcement and public awareness to curb this alarming trend.
Source: Sinhala Daily Dinamina/16.01.26