Manama Records Highest Number of Traffic Fatalities; 172 Lives Lost Over Four Years

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Manama: Official traffic accident statistics reveal that the average proportion of accidents resulting in fatalities between 2022 and 2025 stood at approximately 6.7% of total traffic accidents, indicating a relatively stable yet concerning trend over the four-year period.

In 2022, fatal accidents accounted for 5.35% of all traffic accidents. This figure rose to 7.31% in 2023, declined slightly to 6.64% in 2024, and increased again to around 7.5% in 2025, keeping the overall rate within a range of 5% to 7.5%.

Violations and Causes

Cumulative data on traffic violations show that speeding was the most common offence, representing an average of 28% of all recorded violations. Running red lights ranked second at 18%, followed by improper parking at 13%.
Other violations together accounted for about 30%, while the remaining violations included expired registration certificates (7%), failure to wear seat belts (3%), and mobile phone use while driving (1%).

Death Toll Breakdown

Between 2022 and 2024, traffic accidents resulted in 172 deaths, including 150 drivers and 22 pedestrians.
The year 2023 recorded the highest number of fatalities with 70 deaths, compared to 44 in 2022 and 58 in 2024.

Driver fatalities rose from 40 in 2022 to 56 in 2023, before slightly declining to 54 in 2024. Pedestrian deaths were recorded at 4 in 2022, surged to 14 in 2023, and fell back to 4 in 2024.

Leading Causes of Fatal Accidents

Data from 2022 to 2024 show that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs was the leading cause of fatal accidents, resulting in 23 deaths. This was followed by traffic light violations (22 deaths) and loss of vehicle control (18 deaths).
Inattentive driving leading to pedestrian collisions caused 11 deaths, while speeding without caution also resulted in 11 fatalities.

Pedestrian deaths were primarily linked to running across streets (10 deaths) and crossing roads (7 deaths). Additional causes included pedestrians under the influence of alcohol or drugs (3 deaths) and slipping or falling while walking alongside roads (2 deaths).

Regional Distribution

By region, Manama recorded the highest number of traffic-related deaths during the period, with 81 fatalities. It was followed by Riffa (56), Sitra (33), and the Western Region (31).
The Central Region reported 29 deaths, Muharraq 26, Jidhafs 25, the Northern Region 20, Hamad Town 18, Isa Town 9, and Hidd 6.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of traffic safety measures and compliance with road laws to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on the roads.