Fatal Accidents: An Increase Among Seniors

In January 2026, sixteen people lost their lives on local roads, marking a concerning increase compared to last year. Seniors aged 60 and above account for nearly half of the victims.

The figures for fatal accidents on local roads, excluding Rodrigues, from January 1 to January 23, 2026, reveal a worrying trend compared to the same period in 2025. In just three weeks, there have been twelve fatal accidents compared to nine last year. The death toll is even more alarming: thirteen people have died in 2026, versus nine in 2025. Moreover, during the weekend, three additional fatalities were recorded, bringing the total to sixteen deaths by January 25.

The ages of the deceased highlight a troubling evolution. No fatalities were reported in the 16-25 age group during this period for both years. Deaths have increased among those aged 26-50 (from four to five) and significantly among seniors aged 60 and above, whose number has risen from three to eight from January 1 to 25, 2026. This age group now represents nearly half of the recorded fatalities in 2026 to date.

Passengers

An analysis of the profile of the deceased shows a shift. Passengers are among the most affected in 2026, with three deaths, while none were reported during the same period in 2025. Pedestrians and drivers are also seeing an increase in fatalities, rising from two to three and from three to four, respectively. Conversely, the number of motorcyclists has shown a slight decrease.

Regarding the deadliest hours, the time frame from 12:01 PM to 6 PM stands out. Seven people died during this period in 2026, compared to just two the previous year. Nighttime accidents, from 6:01 PM to midnight, remain high with four deaths, compared to three in 2025. In contrast, a decrease has been observed during the night and morning hours.

Points-Based License - Barlen Munusami: "A Useful Measure, but Not a Miracle Solution"

With the points-based license set to come into effect at the end of January, the question of its effectiveness in light of the rising fatal accidents continues to fuel debate. According to Barlen Munusami, a road safety expert and former police sergeant, this measure can help improve road user behavior, but it cannot, on its own, stop accidents.

"The points-based license has a real effectiveness in provoking a change in behavior and attitude. But we must remain very realistic: we cannot say that this measure will solve all our problems or eliminate fatal accidents," he explains. According to him, the impact of the points-based license will be seen over time. "A person does not lose their fifteen points overnight. It is often when they are disqualified that they begin to react," he emphasizes.

Barlen Munusami stresses that no abrupt changes should be expected immediately upon the system's implementation. "On January 30, we should not expect a sudden change in behavior on our roads." The deterrent effect of the points-based license relies on a gradual accumulation of sanctions.

Enforcement

The expert also notes that the points-based license primarily operates within a context of enforcement. "Enforcement is a tool to encourage a change in behavior, and the points-based license is part of that, as it is based on a stricter legal framework," he says. However, he warns against a solely punitive approach.

For Barlen Munusami, the true levers for sustainable change remain education, awareness, and training. "These are the most important elements. It is a long-term process, but it is through education that we can establish a genuine culture of road safety within society." According to him, it is this culture that will profoundly influence the attitudes and behaviors of road users.

Finally, the former police sergeant reminds us that combating fatal accidents also involves other essential factors. "Good road infrastructure, adequate signage, and safer vehicles. The points-based license can reduce accidents to some extent, but we need to be realistic. Fatal accidents will not decrease overnight."