TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan recorded the largest increase in traffic fatalities so far this year in Taiwan, with distracted driving a major factor, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications reported Tuesday.

The ministry said 1,579 people died in traffic accidents from January to July, down 113 from last year, per CNA. Traffic accidents nationwide reached 229,936 in the first seven months, up 4,412 from the same period last year.

Tainan recorded 193 deaths, 39 more than last year for the same period, followed by Miaoli with an increase of 10. Pedestrian fatalities rose most year-on-year in New Taipei, up eight, and Kaohsiung, up six.

MOTC Deputy Minister Chen Yen-po (陳彥伯) said motorcycle deaths, elderly fatalities, drunk-driving deaths, and child and teen deaths all fell compared with last year.

Wu Tung-ling (吳東凌), director-general of the MOTC Road Safety Division, said nearly half of Tainan’s fatalities involved solo motorcycle crashes, and one-fifth of riders lacked proper licenses. Distracted driving — including daydreaming, nervousness, and inattentiveness — accounted for roughly 30% of fatal crashes.

Regarding the increase in pedestrian deaths in Taichung, Wu said the main cause appears to be vehicles failing to yield, with other factors including not following traffic signs and lines or pedestrians crossing illegally.