Iraq records 10% drop in traffic deaths in 2024, though driver error remains key cause

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Planning reported a 10% decrease in traffic fatalities in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to new data released Wednesday by the Statistics and Geographic Information Systems Authority.

The annual report recorded 11,763 traffic incidents across all governorates excluding the Kurdistan Region. Of these, 2,103 were classified as fatal, resulting in 2,719 deaths — down from 3,019 in 2023. Men accounted for the majority of fatalities, with 2,235 deaths, or roughly 82% of the total.

Injuries from traffic accidents in 2024 totaled 11,896, reflecting a 3.4% decline from the prior year.

Ministry spokesperson Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi said collisions made up the largest share of accidents at 58%, followed by pedestrian-related incidents at 33%, and vehicle rollovers at 7.5%. Driver error was the leading cause, responsible for 78% of incidents, while mechanical failures accounted for 10% and pedestrian-related causes made up 6%.

The data also indicated that 53% of accidents occurred on main roads, 23% on highways, and 18.5% on secondary roads.

Despite the decline in fatalities, officials continue to cite serious challenges. Neglect, conflict-related damage, and long-standing corruption have left much of Iraq’s transportation infrastructure in poor condition, compounding risks already elevated by speeding, distracted driving, and insufficient enforcement.