Road deaths decline

Road users have seen fewer lives lost on Malawi’s roads in 2026, as new police figures show a drop in crashes and fatalities during the first half of the year.

The Malawi Police Service (MPS) recorded 1,784 road traffic accidents between January and July 2026, down from 1,894 during the same period in 2025, representing a six percent decrease.

The figures also show that fatal accidents dropped by 15 percent, from 411 to 351, while road traffic deaths declined from 464 to 406, representing a 13 percent reduction.

The police have attributed the improvement to ongoing road safety efforts, including increased enforcement of traffic laws and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing reckless behaviour on the roads.

Despite the decline, some groups continue to bear the biggest burden of road crashes. Pedestrians remained the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 43 percent of all casualties.

Passengers followed with 28 percent, while motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent, pedal cyclists nine percent and drivers six percent.

Men were the most affected, representing 78 percent of all casualties and 84 percent of fatalities. People aged between 25 and 44 years emerged as the most affected age group.

The statistics further show that the Central West and South West regions recorded the highest number of accidents, accounting for 68 percent of all reported road traffic crashes.

Police said excessive speed and other forms of reckless driving remained the leading causes of accidents during the period.

The MPS has since urged motorists, pedestrians and other road users to observe traffic laws and exercise caution, saying it will continue strengthening enforcement and working with stakeholders to improve road safety across the country.