Israeli Cities See 379 Children Injured in Summer Traffic Accidents, Haifa Tops List

Data from the Israeli road safety organization Green Light, based on Central Bureau of Statistics figures, reveals that during the summer months of June, July, and August 2025, 379 children aged 0-14 were injured in traffic accidents across Israel. Among these, eight children were killed and 60 suffered serious injuries. The summer period is particularly dangerous due to the lack of structured supervision for children during school holidays.

Haifa recorded the highest rate of child traffic injuries relative to its child population, with an average of 0.27 injured children per 1,000 annually during summer, equating to about 16 children each summer. It was followed by Akko with 0.25 per 1,000 (three children on average), and Hadera with 0.209 per 1,000 (five children on average). Other cities with high rates include Ashkelon, Petah Tikva, and Tel Aviv-Yafo, which ranked 14th with 0.13 injuries per 1,000 children.

Jerusalem, despite having the highest absolute number of child injuries (40 on average each summer), ranked 19th in injury rate per 1,000 children. Smaller cities like Beitar Illit, Bnei Brak, and Modiin Illit showed lower rates, with Modiin Illit having the lowest at 0.02 per 1,000 children. Arab cities such as Umm al-Fahm, Rahat, and Nazareth also appeared in the rankings with varying injury rates.

Green Light warned that over 30 children have already died in traffic accidents since the start of the year, with projections suggesting the total could reach 50 by year-end, a 20-year high. The organization emphasized the need for safer environments that accommodate children's natural behavior rather than placing responsibility solely on them.

The findings highlight the urgent need for improved child safety measures during the summer holiday period across Israeli cities.