Last year closed with 484 deaths in traffic accidents, Traffic Police reported. 

 

According to police statistics, 215 more deaths were registered compared to the 365 fatalities in 2021, which is an increase of 59%.  

Of the total deaths, 230 were motorcyclists (which is equivalent to 47% of fatalities), 64 were drivers, 37 were cyclists and the rest were passengers, pedestrians or people who drove other types of vehicles.

Among the main causes of these road accidents were dark roads, fatigue, speeding and DUI, police said. As of November, police identified 2,278 positive DUI drivers with more than 0.75 grams of alcohol in their systems. 

These drivers committed the "A-Level" fine, meaning they were arrested and their vehicles were impounded. Drivers also have to pay a fine of approximately $560, plus take a penalty of 6 points on their driving record.

This year started with a 10% increase in fines for breaking traffic laws. which was approved by the Superior Court Council, based on the Consumer Price Index. 

Police are warning travelers during the beginning of the high tourism season to respect the rules. They've enacted road surveillance operations in an attempt to keep the streets safe.

People can report suspects of reckless driving behavior to the Traffic Law by dialing the 911 emergency line.

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