Israel's Roads Claim Over 300 Lives This Year Amidst Stalled Safety Authority

The number of fatalities on Israeli roads has surpassed 300 since the beginning of the year, with 302 deaths recorded as of Wednesday. While this represents a slight decrease of approximately 2.9% compared to the same period last year, the recent summer months have seen a significant surge in accidents. August was the deadliest month of the year, and the worst August in 22 years, with 44 people killed. Of the total fatalities, 245 were men and 57 were women. Additionally, 1,125 people have been seriously injured.

Data from the National Road Safety Authority indicates that most fatal accidents occurred on intercity roads (191 deaths), with over 100 occurring within cities. Private vehicles accounted for the highest number of victims (106 drivers and passengers), followed by pedestrians (74), motorcyclists and scooter riders (63), and riders of light electric two-wheeled vehicles like e-scooters and e-bikes (22), marking a sharp 38% increase. Fatalities involving heavy vehicles showed a slight decrease, with 30 deaths in truck-related accidents and 25 in bus-related incidents.

Analysis by the Or Yarok Association reveals that summer 2024 (June, July, August) was the deadliest in two decades, with 122 road deaths, an increase from 117 in the summer of 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive year of rising summer fatalities. The summer was also the worst in a decade for child fatalities (ages 0-14), with 12 children killed compared to eight the previous summer.

Despite increased enforcement efforts by the police, including targeted operations, enhanced camera surveillance, and a new demerit system, the National Road Safety Authority (Nirgav) is largely paralyzed. A promised budget of NIS 350 million for the national road safety plan has not been fully allocated, with funds held by the Ministry of Transport hindering project implementation. This structural paralysis is not new; the previous chairman resigned, citing the authority's lack of independent budget and authority. The current chairman, Moti Adari, is reportedly avoiding confrontations with the Ministry of Transport, which is stalling the budget. The spokesperson's office is also reportedly understaffed.

The Ministry of Transport stated that the national program's implementation involves multiple government ministries and bodies, citing projects like 'Safe City' and efforts in infrastructure, research, education, and enforcement. They also mentioned ongoing efforts to reorganize and strengthen the Nirgav's capabilities, including upgrading its public relations and media outreach.