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Recent accidents in Hulhumalé and Fuvahmulah have once again raised concerns over dangerous driving and the safety of young people on the roads.
Mariyam Adheela
Road safety awareness activity held in Kulhudhuffushi City with a role play — Photo: MPS
Road accidents continue to be reported across the country, with dangerous driving putting the lives of drivers, passengers and other road users at risk. Most of the accidents recorded this year have been in Male, including the Sinamale Bridge and highway.
Police statistics show that 1,355 accidents were recorded in Male, the bridge and highway during the first six months of 2026. This means an average of about 7.5 accidents were reported every day.
Of these, 1,128 accidents, or 83.25 percent, were recorded in Male, while 227 were recorded around the bridge and highway.
The statistics also show that 31 accidents involved serious injuries, while two people lost their lives during the first six months of the year.
Young people injured in recent crashes
The figures come into focus following two serious accidents reported in Hulhumale and Fuvahmulah within the past 24 hours, with young people among those injured.
In Fuvahmulah, police are investigating a case involving a 35 year old man who allegedly took a car from its owner by force after threatening him.
Police said the car later crashed into a motorcycle, another car and a tree.
An 18 year old woman riding the motorcycle and a nine year old girl travelling with her were injured. Both were taken to Fuvahmulah Hospital for treatment, and police said their injuries were not serious.
The man suspected of driving the car has been taken into police custody. Police said he is suspected of being under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.
In a separate accident in Hulhumale, an 18 year old woman and a nine year old girl were injured after a motorcycle crashed near the Vinares 7 flats.
Police said the nine year old girl was in serious condition and was receiving treatment at the hospital.
While dangerous and careless driving remains a major concern, road safety also depends on basic safety measures such as wearing seatbelts.
Not wearing a seatbelt can increase the risk of serious injury in a crash. Drivers and passengers are required to take simple precautions to protect themselves and others on the road.
The recent accidents are another reminder of how dangerous driving can affect people who are simply using the roads.
Speeding, careless driving, failing to follow traffic rules and ignoring basic safety measures can put not only drivers but also passengers, pedestrians and other road users at risk.
With more young people using motorcycles and roads remaining busy, greater care from drivers is needed to prevent serious accidents and loss of lives.
