A total of 1,424 people have lost their lives in road accidents reported so far this year, according to Police.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department to raise awareness on the National Accident Prevention Week, Director of Traffic Control and Road Safety, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manoj Ranagala, said 1,355 fatal road accidents had been reported between January 1 and July 5, 2026.

He noted that, compared to the corresponding period in 2025, the total number of road accidents has increased by 108, while the number of fatalities has risen by 110, describing the situation as a matter of serious concern.

SSP Ranagala said the main causes of the increasing number of road accidents include driver inattention, reckless driving, excessive speeding, poor road conditions, and mechanical failures resulting from inadequate vehicle maintenance.

He further revealed that pedestrians and motorcyclists account for the highest number of fatalities in road accidents.

According to police statistics, 488 motorcyclists and 484 pedestrians have been killed in road accidents so far this year, making them the two most vulnerable groups on Sri Lanka's roads.

SSP Ranagala also stressed that pedestrians and motorcyclists continue to account for the highest number of serious injuries resulting from road accidents.