Motorcycles continue to be involved in the highest number of fatalities on the roads. In the first quarter of this year, 1,481 motorcyclists died, which is approximately 16.5 deaths per day.

News: Motorcycle Accident in Cartagena near the Bazurto Market. Photo: John Montaño/ EL TIEMPO. Journalist, May 11, 2026, 09:57. Updated: May 11, 2026, 09:57. Traffic accidents in the first quarter of this year resulted in 1,481 motorcyclist deaths, averaging 16.5 deaths per day. In 2025, 66% of the fatalities were motorcyclists, and 8 out of 10 fatal accidents involved a motorcycle. Juan Pablo Bocarejo, head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Los Andes, and director of the 'Drive at 50, Live at 100' project, spoke with EL TIEMPO about the role that regions are playing in the fight against the scourge of traffic accidents in the country. Traffic accidents in Colombia have become a deep wound in the social and generational fabric. 30% of the fatal victims are girls, boys, adolescents, and young people. In fact, for the age group of 10 to 14 years, traffic accidents are already the leading cause of death in the country. Demographically, the tragedy affects men more severely, who represent 81% of the victims (1,816 people), compared to 18.9% of women (425 victims). ALSO READ: What are the best practices that regions are implementing to prevent more deaths on roads? Motorcycle accidents in Cartagena. Photo: John Montaño/ EL TIEMPO. It is very important to have data and develop road safety observatories, because this data allows them to take measures in the most critical areas and address the causes of the most serious traffic accidents. ALSO READ: What role is technology playing in preventing traffic accidents? Traffic accident in Medellín. Photo: Private archive. We highlight what the cities of Medellín and Bogotá are doing with the use of technology. These cities are connecting the cameras they have for traffic violation control with security cameras. Thus, we are talking about a large number of cameras: more than 5,000 cameras in Medellín, more than 10,000 cameras in Bogotá, and that is a very important element to be able to better monitor, to better understand what is happening on the road, and eventually identify these accidents. ALSO READ: With these dramatic figures for these three months of the year, who should be held accountable for road safety? Juan Carlos Bocarejo, wearing a blue shirt, presented awards to regions for good practices. Photo: John Montaño/ EL TIEMPO. Road safety is not the responsibility of only one traffic or transportation authority, but of everyone. It requires a collective effort. It is essential to promote responsible driving habits and raise awareness about the dangers of speeding and reckless behavior. Also, it is crucial to invest in infrastructure improvements, such as better road design, signage, and pedestrian crossings, to create safer environments for all road users. Furthermore, it is important to enforce traffic laws and regulations effectively to deter dangerous driving behaviors. By working together, we can create a safer and more sustainable transportation system for everyone. In addition, we invite you to see: Documentary by journalist Jineth Bedoya. Photo: JOHN MONTAÑO ELTIEMPO. Follow all the information from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERS. Register for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed with what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWS. Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPP. Join the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up-to-date with the most relevant news at the moment. EL TIEMPO APP. Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL. Reliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.