The death rate among students has climbed to a new peak over the past two years, with car crashes accounting for the most fatalities, according to the latest statistics from the Campus Security Report Center of the Ministry of Education.
The center yesterday released a report that shows 1,704 students died in the period from January 2002 to last month. About 42 percent of the deaths were the result of car crashes. The figures include students in primary and secondary schools as well as colleges.
According to the report, 614 students were killed in car crashes in the past two years. Most of these accidents involved students on scooters colliding with cars or trucks. A majority of the victims did not have a scooter license.
The report shows that most of these crashes occurred in November and December, when college students often go on outings with their classmates.
"Students were involved in fewer accidents during the sum-mer and winter breaks," said Wu Yu-chou (
Wu said that the death of a student represents a loss for the campus community as well as for the family and friends of the deceased.
"We understand what it is like for students to lose a classmate. The ministry will place more importance on promoting traffic safety among students and improve student counselling when a tragedy does occur," Wu said.
According to the report, diseases claimed the second-highest number of students -- 388 -- in the last two years.
Wu said that the Department of Health should also pay more attention to the factors contributing to these deaths.
The report also shows a noticeable increase in the number of students who committed suicide over the same period.
A total of 120 students committed suicide in the past two years, accounting for 8 percent of the deaths.
Most student suicides occurred in April and November, the months most colleges and universities give midterm examinations.
"Students are under huge pressure during the exams, and the pressure of preparing for exams might induce students who suffer from depression or who have relationship problems to commit suicide," Wu said.
He said the ministry is making plans to better educate students about how to deal with pressure and emotional problems.
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