Hong Kong experienced a 44 percent increase in fatal traffic accidents during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to police reports. The city recorded 59 fatal accidents resulting in 63 deaths, up from 41 accidents and 43 deaths in the previous year.

This rise in fatalities contrasts with a decline in non-fatal accidents and injuries, which fell 17 percent to 7,341 cases and 20 percent to 9,055 injured individuals, respectively.

Of the fatal accidents, 41 involved commercial vehicles, with 39 percent of these driven by motorists aged 65 or older. Au Ngai-faat, a senior inspector at the police road safety unit, attributed the main causes to inattentive driving and the physical conditions of drivers at the time of accidents. He noted, "With the population ageing, there will be more aged drivers. Police are supportive of the legislative amendment to tighten driver health check requirements."

Authorities have proposed to the Legislative Council a reduction in the age threshold for mandatory medical certification for commercial drivers from 70 to 65 years old.

Sources

South China Morning Post World (August 5, 2026)