1,355 accidents, two fatalities, and damage to 1,482 vehicles recorded across Malé, the bridge, and the highway in the first six months of the year

A total of 1,355 road accidents occurred across Malé, the Sinamalé Bridge, and the Highway during the first six months of this year, resulting in two fatalities and damage to 1,482 vehicles.

According to statistics released by the Maldives Police Service for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2024, the country averaged 7.49 road accidents per day. Notably, a significant majority of these incidents occurred in the capital, Malé, accounting for more than four out of every five recorded accidents. Furthermore, approximately two-thirds of all accidents took place during daylight hours.

Monthly trends in traffic accidents

With 1,355 road accidents recorded in the first six months of this year, the monthly average stands at approximately 226 incidents. On a daily basis, this equates to an average of seven to eight accidents.

January recorded the highest number of accidents during this period, with a total of 253 incidents. In contrast, February saw the lowest number of accidents, with 191 cases reported. This represents a difference of 62 accidents between the peak and the lowest months.

Analyzing the month-to-month fluctuations in traffic accidents, figures rose by 45 cases following February to reach a total of 236 in March. This represents a 23.56 percent increase. Over the subsequent two months, the recorded figures remained relatively stable, with 232 accidents reported in April and 238 in May.

A total of 205 accidents were recorded in June, marking a decrease of 33 cases compared to May. This figure also represents a decline of 48 accidents compared to January. Looking at the overall six-month period, the statistics for June show an 18.97 percent reduction in accidents compared to the numbers recorded in January.

Locations and timings

According to police data, a regional breakdown of traffic accidents reveals that 83.25 percent (1,128 accidents) occurred within Malé. Meanwhile, the bridge and highway areas accounted for 16.75 percent (227 accidents). The records indicate that more than four out of every five accidents took place on the streets of the capital city.

In terms of timing, a record 66.5 percent (901 accidents) occurred during daylight hours, while 33.5 percent (454 accidents) were recorded at night. Consequently, the number of accidents reported during the day exceeded nighttime figures by 447 cases, which police noted is nearly double the rate of incidents occurring after dark. However, authorities emphasized that while the percentage of daytime accidents is higher, these statistics alone do not necessarily categorize a specific time of day as being more hazardous.

The extent of injuries sustained, the damages caused to vehicles, and the total amount of compensation awarded.

During this period, 1,322 reported accidents were classified as resulting in minor injuries. Additionally, 31 cases involved injuries categorized as serious, while two fatalities were recorded due to accidents during the same timeframe.

Records indicate that a total of 1,482 vehicles sustained damage in these accidents.

A total of MVR 3,284,622 has been disbursed as insurance compensation for vehicle damages. This reflects a monthly average of MVR 547,437. On average, the payouts amount to MVR 2,424 per recorded accident and MVR 2,216 per damaged vehicle.

The Maldives Police Service has stated that statistics from the first six months of 2026 indicate that serious road accidents remain a significant concern for the community. To reduce accidents and ensure road safety, the police emphasized the importance of all commuters strictly adhering to traffic regulations and prioritizing safety measures.