TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS SURGE 14.8pc IN Q2

Official unaudited data issued by the Financial Services Authority showed that approximately 21,700 traffic accidents were recorded with insurance companies during the second quarter of 2026, compared with approximately 18,900 accidents during the corresponding period of 2025, representing an increase of 14.8 per cent.
The accidents were distributed between 15,850 minor accidents, accounting for about 73 per cent of the total, and 5,893 serious accidents, representing approximately 27 per cent.
The data showed that the total number of traffic accident claims during the second quarter of 2026 reached approximately 22,000 claims, recording a growth rate of 7.2 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025. Claims for minor accidents rose to 15,800 claims, compared with 14,000 claims, an increase of approximately 12.5 per cent.
Conversely, claims for serious accidents involving material damage declined to 2,900 claims, compared with 3,300 claims, a decrease of approximately 11.9 per cent, while claims for serious accidents involving injuries and medical treatment expenses rose to 3,200 claims, compared with 3,100 claims, an increase of approximately 4 per cent. Claims relating to fatalities also declined from 83 claims to 80 claims.
At the level of total compensation paid, in addition to reported but unsettled claims, the amount reached approximately RO 25.1 million during the second quarter of 2026, recording an increase of 19 per cent compared with the corresponding period of 2025.
This was distributed as approximately RO 12.48 million for minor accidents, RO 5.3 million for serious accidents involving material damage, and RO 6.2 million for serious accidents involving injuries and medical treatment expenses, while the value of claims relating to fatalities amounted to approximately RO 1 million.
These indicators reflect a marked increase in the total number of traffic accidents during the second quarter of the year, accompanied by growth in the number and financial value of claims.
The total number of accidents rose by 14.8 per cent, the number of claims increased by 7.2 per cent, and the total value of claims rose by 19 per cent.
The data also reveal a disparity among types of accidents, with an increase in claims for minor accidents and for injuries and medical expenses, against a decline in claims for serious accidents involving material damage and fatalities.
These indicators underscore the importance of continuing to strengthen traffic safety measures and to entrench a culture of safe driving and compliance with traffic regulations, thereby contributing to reducing the human and material losses resulting from accidents.
Despite the role played by insurance in managing risks and mitigating their financial repercussions, prevention remains the fundamental basis for protecting lives and property.