Yom Kippur Road Dangers: Hundreds Injured Annually in Accidents

Despite the perception of empty roads on Yom Kippur as ideal for cycling, hundreds of people, particularly children and teenagers, are injured in traffic accidents annually during the Jewish holiday. In 2025, Yom Kippur begins on the evening of September 20 and concludes on September 21. Data from the National Road Safety Authority (Nir) reveals that over the past decade, 1,389 accidents occurred during the period surrounding Yom Kippur, resulting in 1,959 injuries and 17 fatalities, with 100 individuals sustaining severe injuries. In 2025, 204 people were injured in 148 accidents, including two fatalities and 13 severe injuries, exceeding recent averages.

The most dangerous times are the hours immediately before the fast begins and just after it ends, when traffic conditions change rapidly. "Yom Kippur is a day when the roads change completely, but the danger of accidents and injuries still exists," warned Nir Director General Gili Cohen. He emphasized that during the fast itself, many of the injured are children, pedestrians, and those on bicycles and scooters. Over the last ten years, 43 people died or were severely injured in accidents during the fast, with the majority being under 19. Nearly half of these were pedestrians or riders of small transport devices.

Medical professionals at Ichilov Medical Center's Dana-Dwek Children's Trauma Unit report treating children and teens for injuries from bicycles, electric scooters, and collisions with vehicles, ranging from bruises to life-threatening head injuries. Professor Neta Cohen stressed the importance of helmets to reduce severe head trauma, even for regular bicycle rides. Parents are urged not to consider empty roads safe, ensuring bicycles fit children and that speed matches their skill level. Young children should ride under adult supervision in safe areas.

Specialists from CityRunner warn that the illusion of empty roads encourages excessive speed, reducing reaction time and increasing braking distance. They advise moderate speeds, significant slowdowns at intersections, and caution around inexperienced riders and pedestrians. Most holiday accidents result from falls, collisions between cyclists, or hitting obstacles. Helmets are crucial, and pre-holiday checks of brakes, tire pressure, steering, and battery levels for electric devices are essential, as repair shops are closed. Lights and visible clothing are mandatory for evening rides. Children under nine should always ride with adults, with pre-planned routes and group coordination before crossing major roads. Traffic laws remain in effect, with electric bike and scooter use restricted to those 16 and older.