Aden— A recent report issued by Yemeni authorities has revealed a staggering toll of traffic-related deaths in government-controlled regions, with 1,400 fatalities recorded during the third quarter of 2025. 

The figure underscores the growing public safety crisis on Yemen’s roads, exacerbated by deteriorating infrastructure, lax enforcement of traffic laws, and widespread use of unsafe vehicles.

The report, compiled by the Interior Ministry’s Traffic Department, covers incidents from July to September 2025 and includes data from major cities such as Aden, Marib, Taiz, Hadramout, and Al-Mahrah. It highlights a sharp increase in deadly collisions, pedestrian run-overs, and vehicle rollovers, many involving motorcycles and public transport vehicles.

Officials attributed the surge in accidents to excessive speeding, poor road conditions, mechanical failures, and non-compliance with traffic regulations. The report also noted that material losses from these incidents exceeded 165 million Yemeni riyals, further straining local economies already burdened by conflict and inflation.

In September alone, 59 people were killed and 340 injured in traffic accidents, including 170 serious injuries. A total of 369 incidents were recorded that month, ranging from vehicle collisions and pedestrian run-overs to rollovers and collisions with fixed objects.

Authorities have called for urgent measures to improve road safety, including public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and investment in road maintenance. Civil society groups have also urged the government to regulate motorcycle use and ensure public transport vehicles meet safety standards.

The rising death toll has sparked concern among humanitarian organizations, which warn that traffic accidents are becoming a silent epidemic in Yemen’s urban centers. With limited access to emergency medical care and under-resourced hospitals, many victims succumb to injuries that could otherwise be treated.

As Yemen continues to grapple with the effects of war and economic collapse, road safety remains a critical yet overlooked issue. The report calls on both national and international stakeholders to prioritize transportation reform as part of broader recovery efforts.