The Department of Health (DoH) has reported that five persons died due to road-related accidents since 23 December 2024.

Of those, three were motorcycle-related accidents.

The Health department also logged 39 new cases of road accidents last 30 December 2024, bringing the total to 457.

Of the figure, 393 were not using safety accessories; 322 were motorcycle incidents; and 76 of the victims were under the influence of alcohol.

This is 38 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

“The cases of road accidents have increased again. Most of them are involved in motorcycle accidents,” the DoH said as it reminded motorcycle drivers to always wear a helmet.

“If your relative is going to ride a motorcycle, tell them to wear a helmet and other safety gears for their own safety,” it added.

Meanwhile, the DoH reported that the number of firecracker-related injuries is 44 percent higher this year compared to the same period last year.

From 22 to 30 December, the DoH recorded 163 total cases of firecracker-related injuries with 21 new cases logged last Monday.

Of the figure, 135 are aged below 19 while 148 of the victims are male, while 15 are female.

Additionally, 118 or 72 percent of cases were due to illegal firecrackers, such as 5-star, piccolo, and boga and of that total, 106 or 65 percent actively used firecrackers.