TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The number of traffic-related deaths in Taiwan fell 8.9% for the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, while the number of pedestrians who died on the roads increased by 2.6%.

Taiwan’s transport ministry released data on Friday (Aug. 2) that showed 1,193 people died in traffic accidents between January and May, which is 116 fewer than in the same period in 2023, per CNA. The number of pedestrian deaths in the same period was 160, an increase of four compared to last year.

The ministry said the main causes of pedestrian deaths on Taiwan’s roads were vehicles failing to give way, distracted drivers, speeding, and both pedestrians and drivers failing to observe the road rules. Almost three-quarters of the pedestrians who died during the period were over 65 years old.

The ministry said that giving way to pedestrians is not an established norm among some drivers in Taiwan. It said local governments should work to publicize this concept while strengthening law enforcement.

Meanwhile, Minister of Transport Li Meng-yen (李孟諺) said that motorcycle riders account for 60% of the fatalities that occur on Taiwan’s roads. He said this is why Taiwan has twice as many fatal traffic accidents compared to South Korea - a country with around twice the population.

Li said only about 17% of motorcycle riders in Taiwan have completed any form of training, and that the Highway Bureau is working to increase this number. Highway Bureau statistics show the accident rate among motorcyclists who have had rider training is 36% less than those without it.