Israel Records 368 Road Fatalities in First Ten Months of 2026
A total of 368 people died in Israeli road accidents in the first ten months of 2026, a 6.5% drop linked to reduced traffic during the war. Or Yarok urged the incoming government to adopt a national safety plan.
A total of 368 people were killed in road accidents across Israel during the first ten months of 2026, marking a 6.5% decrease compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the 'Or Yarok' association on Sunday to mark Road Safety Week.
However, the association emphasizes that the decline in fatalities does not necessarily stem from improved road safety, but rather from the impact of the 'Roar of the Lion' war, during which traffic volume significantly decreased. According to the data, during the conflict from February 28 to April 7, 2026, 37 people died in road accidents, compared to 62 during the same period in 2025—a 40% drop.
Breakdown of Fatalities and Demographics
A demographic breakdown of the casualties reveals that 133 people were killed in private vehicles, 37 were pedestrians, and 75 were motorcyclists and scooter riders. The figures also show that 40 children, 55 seniors aged 65 and over, and 59 young drivers lost their lives since the beginning of 2026. Additionally, 91 fatalities involved heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, while micromobility accidents claimed the lives of 5 regular bicyclists, 15 electric scooter riders, and 10 electric bicycle riders.
Out of the total deaths, 229 occurred on intercity roads, accounting for 62% of fatalities, while 128 people (35%) died on urban roads, and 11 (3%) in off-road incidents. Regarding population groups, 202 victims (55%) were from the Jewish community, and 141 (38%) were from the Arab community, a rate significantly higher than the Arab population's 21% share of the general population.
City Rankings and European Comparison
Jerusalem ranks first among Israeli cities in traffic fatalities for 2026 with 14 deaths, followed by Tel Aviv-Yafo and Haifa with 8 deaths each. Holon recorded 6 fatalities, Hadera and Ashkelon 5 each, while Beersheba and Rishon LeZion registered 4 deaths each.
'Or Yarok' also pointed out Israel's poor standing in European comparisons. According to data from the European Transport Safety Council, Israel ranks 30th out of 31 countries in the relative change of road traffic fatalities between 2015 and 2025. The association noted that 26 out of 31 European member states have a national road safety plan, whereas Israel still lacks a comprehensive national strategy.
'Or Yarok' CEO Yaniv Yaakov warned against the ongoing carnage on the roads and called on the incoming government to take immediate action.
"More than one person loses their life on Israel's roads every day. Road Safety Week is a reminder of a national plague that claims the lives of 450 people annually and leaves thousands injured," Yaakov stated.
