December was most dangerous month to travel in 2024 with 4,748 people killed in road crashes – NTSA

December was most dangerous month to travel in 2024 with 4,748 people killed in road crashes – NTSA

At least 4,748 people died in road crashes in 2024, according to the latest statistics from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

This marks an increase of 424 fatalities compared to the 4,324 deaths recorded in 2023, reflecting a 9.81 per cent rise in road-related fatalities over the past year.

The month-by-month analysis shows that December 2024 recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 466 lives lost, up from 423 in 2023, a rise of 10.17 per cent. This makes December the deadliest month of the year for road users.

January saw a relatively small increase, with 389 fatalities compared to 379 in 2023. February had a sharper rise, with 374 fatalities recorded, an increase of 10 per cent from the 340 deaths in the same month the previous year.

March recorded 403 fatalities, up from 389 in 2023, representing a 3.6 per cent increase, while April saw an 8.68 per cent rise, with 388 fatalities compared to 357 the previous year.

May had a marginal increase, with 341 fatalities in 2024 compared to 340 in 2023.

Decline in June

June was the only month to record a decline, with fatalities dropping to 411 in 2024 from 439 in 2023, representing a decrease of 6.38 per cent.

However, this downward trend was short-lived, as July saw fatalities rise sharply by 17.54 per cent, with 382 lives lost compared to 325 in 2023.

August and September also experienced substantial increases. August recorded 437 fatalities, up from 372 in 2023.

Similarly, September recorded 402 deaths, up from 338 the previous year, an increase of 18.93 per cent.

October saw 382 fatalities in 2024, a 15.76 per cent increase from the 330 recorded in 2023, while november had one of the sharpest increases, with 373 fatalities compared to 292 in 2023.

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