Road Deaths Among Israeli Youth Surge 33% in Urban Areas in 2025
Data from the Israeli NGO Or Yarok, based on Central Bureau of Statistics figures, reveals a 33% increase in the number of young people killed in road accidents on urban roads in 2025 compared to 2024. A total of 32 youths aged 15-24 died in city traffic accidents in 2025, up from 24 the previous year, marking the highest toll in a decade. Overall, young people accounted for one in five road fatalities in 2025, with 98 deaths representing 21.3% of all road deaths that year.
The data also shows that on average, 2,449 young people are injured annually in urban road accidents, with about 7 injured daily and over 300 sustaining serious injuries each year. Jerusalem, Haifa, and Tel Aviv-Yafo topped the list for youth casualties, with Jerusalem recording 128 injured including 5 deaths and 38 serious injuries. Haifa had 127 injured with 2 deaths, and Tel Aviv-Yafo had 126 injured including 4 deaths. Other cities such as Beersheba, Petah Tikva, Ashdod, and Rishon Lezion also reported significant numbers of injured youth.
The World Health Organization highlights road accidents as a leading cause of death among young people globally, attributing the high risk to factors like inexperience, speeding, peer pressure, and risk-taking behavior. WHO recommends enhanced enforcement, road safety education, and specific restrictions for new drivers.
Or Yarok CEO Adv. Yaniv Yaakov urged the Israeli government to implement a multi-year national plan to reduce youth road casualties. He emphasized the need for better driver training, early road safety education, increased enforcement, and coordinated efforts among the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Education, and police to save lives and prevent further tragedies.
