TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) on Wednesday (Oct. 30) released data showing an increase in traffic fatalities for August, despite a decline in accidents and injuries from January to August in 2024.
The ministry reported 32,390 accidents in August, 443 fewer than in August 2023. Although injuries decreased by 354 to 43,104, fatalities rose by 45. Meanwhile, the 245 deaths marked a 22.5% increase from the same month last year, the highest monthly rise this year.
From January to August, accidents totaled 257,825, a 4% decrease from the previous year, with fatalities dropping by 2.7% to 1,936. Injuries also saw a 4.4% reduction to 343,496. The ministry highlighted a downward trend in fatalities from January to April, but numbers began to rise in May, although August showed a decline.
Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) emphasized a thorough investigation into the rising deaths among motorcyclists, the elderly, pedestrians, and children.
Highways and Road Safety Deputy Director-General Huang Yun-kui (黃運貴) noted that August's death toll was the highest monthly increase this year, possibly due to last August's low fatality rate. The ministry has prioritized motorcyclists and the elderly in its prevention strategies.