The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has reported a concerning increase in road fatalities for the first nine months of 2025, with 289 lives lost in 253 fatal crashes. This marks a six percent rise in deaths and a nine percent increase in fatal accidents compared to the same period in 2024. The surge in fatalities is primarily attributed to private motor car drivers and passengers, pedal cyclists, and pillion passengers. Notably, 67 private motor car drivers and 47 passengers have died this year, up from 48 and 32 respectively in 2024. Pillion passenger fatalities rose from nine to 14, while pedal cyclist deaths nearly doubled from 12 to 21. Motorcyclists, however, saw a decline in fatalities, dropping from 90 to 82, though they still account for 28 percent of all road deaths. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pillion passengers, represent 58 percent of fatalities. Pedestrians alone account for 18 percent of deaths, with 52 fatalities recorded this year. The gender disparity remains stark, with males comprising 84 percent and females 16 percent of the fatalities. The ITA’s latest statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures to curb this alarming trend.