Yom Kippur Road Dangers: Hundreds Injured Annually Despite Holiday Quiet

Despite the common perception of Yom Kippur as a safe and quiet day in Israel, with roads largely empty, a significant number of traffic accidents and injuries occur annually during the holiday. Data from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reveals that over the past decade, 1,959 people were injured in 1,389 accidents during the eve and day of Yom Kippur, resulting in 17 fatalities and 100 serious injuries. In the most recent Yom Kippur (2025), 204 individuals were injured in 148 accidents, including two deaths and 13 serious injuries, marking an increase from the annual average.

The NRSA highlights that the most dangerous periods are the hours immediately before the fast begins and after it ends. During these times, rapid shifts in traffic patterns, coupled with pressure and congestion, lead to a sharp rise in severe accidents. Gili Cohen, CEO of the NRSA, cautioned that while roads transform, the risk of accidents remains, particularly for children and teenagers who are often pedestrians or riders of small vehicles during the fast itself. He urged all road users to exercise caution, maintain safe distances, reduce speed, and remain vigilant.

Furthermore, the NRSA reported that in the last decade, 43 people were killed or seriously injured in accidents occurring solely during fasting hours. The majority of these victims were children and teenagers aged 0-19, with nearly half being pedestrians or riders of small vehicles. Medical teams at hospitals regularly treat young victims of these accidents.

Prof. Neta Cohen, head of Pediatric Trauma at Tel Aviv's Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, described seeing children and teenagers admitted with injuries from cycling, electric scooters, and sometimes collisions with vehicles. These injuries range from bruises and fractures to severe, life-threatening head trauma. She emphasized the importance of wearing helmets, even for regular cycling, to mitigate head injuries.

Experts from CityRunner also pointed out that the illusion of empty roads can lead to excessive speed, reducing reaction time and increasing stopping distances. They stressed that the primary causes of accidents are often self-falls, collisions between riders, or hitting obstacles. Proper helmet use is crucial, as is pre-holiday maintenance of bicycles and electric scooters, including brakes, tire pressure, and battery levels. Visibility through lights and bright clothing is essential in the evening, and adult supervision is recommended for young children. They reminded the public that traffic laws remain in effect on Yom Kippur, with specific age restrictions for riding electric scooters and bicycles.