Over 2,300 traffic accidents leave 348 dead in Russia’s New Year holidays

A total of 2,329 traffic accidents happened on Russia’s roads during the New Year holidays, leaving 348 people dead and 3,515 others injured, the Russian State Traffic Inspectorate reported Monday.
Among the fatalities from Jan. 1 to Jan. 11, 2026, 289 were drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, said a statement posted on the inspectorate’s official website.
It noted that drunk driving remained a critical issue during the holiday period, with 162 traffic accidents in Russia involving intoxicated drivers or those who refused to undergo medical sobriety tests, killing 12 people and injuring 226 others.