PINGTUNG, Taiwan — Pingtung County once again topped the nation in traffic-related deaths, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ (MOTC) Road Safety Network.
Data shows that in 2024, Pingtung recorded a death rate of 27.03 per 100,000 people, the highest among all counties and cities in Taiwan. As of the end of July 2025, the county’s fatality rate stood at 12.93 per 100,000 people, maintaining its position as the most dangerous area for road users.
Elderly Pedestrians Among the Most Vulnerable
The Pingtung County Audit Office reported that traffic accident fatalities from 2022 to 2024 totaled 213, 210, and 214, respectively. Of these, the elderly accounted for nearly half of all deaths, with 100, 100, and 99 fatalities each year—representing over 45% of total casualties.
Officials noted that this high proportion highlights the vulnerability of senior citizens on the road. The audit unit urged the county government to intensify enforcement against drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians and those committing illegal parking violations, particularly near intersections.
Authorities were also advised to expand public education campaigns targeting pedestrians and elderly road users, emphasizing traffic signs, markings, and signal rules to foster a safer, pedestrian-friendly environment.
County Response and Safety Initiatives
In response, the Pingtung County Government said it is pursuing multiple initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety through cross-departmental cooperation involving engineering, law enforcement, and public education.
Among its measures, the county has begun installing AI-powered pedestrian detection systems at key intersections in Pingtung City to create “smart and safe” crossings. Authorities also continue to strengthen drunk driving prevention and are closely monitoring the performance of AI-assisted intersections before expanding the technology to other high-risk areas.
Officials said they plan to integrate advanced technologies with traditional road safety measures to improve pedestrian protection and reduce overall traffic injuries and fatalities.