The road safety record in Mauritius continues to deteriorate, with 117 people killed in road accidents in the first nine months of 2026. This represents a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 90 people lost their lives. The latest figures indicate that the 2026 death toll is already close to the total of 124 deaths recorded in 2025.
According to the data, the number of fatal accidents has reached 114, resulting in 117 deaths as of September 29, 2026. This marks a significant increase compared to the same periods in 2025 and 2024, which recorded 88 and 89 accidents, respectively, resulting in 94 deaths. In 2025, Mauritius recorded a total of 40,220 road accidents, a 1.9% increase from 2024.
While the majority of accidents in 2025 (94.1%) resulted in only material damage, the human toll was significant, with 3,108 people injured and 124 killed. The mortality rate stood at 10.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. Motorcyclists (52 deaths) and pedestrians (30 deaths) remained the most vulnerable road users.
Experts and former police officers are calling for a comprehensive strategy to address the growing problem of road accidents in Mauritius. They argue that isolated measures, without thorough reflection and consultation, have not produced the desired results. The lack of targeted controls, particularly regarding drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs, has been highlighted as a major concern.
A former police officer from the Traffic Branch emphasized the need for a proactive approach to addressing road safety, rather than simply reacting to accidents. He argued that there is a lack of concerted action to tackle the problem and that individual egos can hinder the search for common solutions. Education and civic awareness are crucial, he added.
Alain Jeannot, from the NGO Prévention routière avant tout (Prat), identified several factors contributing to the increase in road accidents, including inadequate infrastructure, the democratization of access to vehicles, and a lack of civic education. He advocated for a focus on civic education and concrete actions, rather than just making announcements.
Jeannot also suggested that the way Mauritians travel needs to be rethought, with a greater emphasis on public transportation and alternative modes of mobility. He recommended improving public transportation, promoting telework, and redesigning urban planning to reduce the number of people on the roads and minimize the risk of accidents.
Key points
- 117 people killed in road accidents in Mauritius in the first nine months of 2026
- Road death toll in Mauritius increases by 30% compared to the same period in 2025
- Experts call for a comprehensive strategy to address the growing problem of road accidents in Mauritius
