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Every year, thousands of lives are lost on European roads, casting a shadow over our continent’s efficient transport network. Despite the steady decline in recent years, road accidents remain a major cause of death across Europe. In 2023 alone, approximately 20,400 people lost their lives in road crashes, accounting for roughly 1.6 per cent of all deaths within the EU. The European Transport Safety Council (etsc.eu/euroadsafetydata) cites the figure of 46 road deaths per million European citizens in 2023.

When it comes to safety, commercial flights are widely considered the safest form of transportation, with the lowest fatality rates. They are estimated to be around 1,700 times safer than driving a car and significantly safer than travelling by motorcycle.

The European Commission’s ambitious ‘Vision Zero’ initiative aims to end road deaths by 2050. However, with speeding, distracted driving, and impaired drivers still accounting for a significant share of fatalities, the road to zero remains a challenging one. In this article, we explore the causes behind Europe’s road fatalities, current statistics, and the measures being taken to address this persistent public health problem. As we push for safer driving, the real question is: how soon can we make the roads safer for everyone?

In the European Union, driving license data is managed at a national level. Individual countries are responsible for issuing and renewing licenses. According to recent reports, there are approximately 300 million valid driver’s licenses within the EU and the broader European Economic Area (EEA). While this allows a significant portion of the European population to freely use our roads, it is important to acknowledge that some drivers may pose a risk to others.

A NTSB prevention poster © Ntsb

The legal driving age across EU countries is generally 18 for standard car licenses (Category B). However, some countries allow supervised driving for those as young as 17. Motorcycle and moped licenses can be obtained from the age of 16 , while licenses for heavier vehicles, such as trucks and buses, typically require drivers to be 21 or older.

Young drivers, especially those aged 16 to 24, are the group most frequently involved in accidents. Several factors contribute to this trend, including inexperience, risk-taking behaviour, and distractions, particularly from mobile phone use. Research consistently indicates that young drivers are more prone to engage in dangerous practices such as speeding, driving under the influence of substances, and neglecting to wear seatbelts, all of which significantly elevate the risk of accidents.

Another high-risk category of drivers includes those impaired by alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, such cases are on the rise in many European countries. It has long been established that even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can significantly impair reaction times, instincts, and judgment, leading to an increased likelihood of accidents. This is why there is a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for drugs across the board. Regarding alcohol use and driving, several European countries, including the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary, enforce a complete ban. In other countries, permitted blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits vary, typically ranging from 0.02 to 0.05 per cent, with 0.05 per cent being the most common across Europe. The UK and Ireland allow a higher limit of 0.08 per cent BAC.

Additionally, drivers aged over 70 may experience a higher rate of accidents due to slower reaction times, declining vision, and other age-related factors, although their overall accident rate remains lower than that of younger drivers.

The main causes of fatal road accidents in the European Union are multifaceted and vary by country; however, certain key factors consistently contribute to these incidents across the region.

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Speeding is a major contributing factor to accidents © AI generated image

Speeding is a significant factor in accidents, particularly on roads where speed limits are not strictly enforced. Higher speeds not only increase the likelihood of collisions but also the severity of injuries sustained. Studies conducted in the EU have demonstrated that implementing lower speed limits, especially in urban areas, can effectively reduce fatalities.

While Germany still maintains a ‘no speed limit’ policy on most of its motorways, many European countries have seen a reduction in permissible speed limits in recent years—from 130 km/h to 110 km/h and even 100 km/h in some cases, such as the Netherlands. This change has had a notable impact on traffic safety, as well as on fuel consumption and pollution reduction.

Distracted driving, whether due to texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car technology, also contributes significantly to accidents across all age groups. Consequently, many EU countries have introduced stricter regulations and launched extensive campaigns aimed at reducing phone use while driving.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists represent a significant portion of road fatalities, particularly in urban areas. These groups are more vulnerable and susceptible to severe injuries in collisions with vehicles. The presence of dedicated cycling infrastructure is generally linked to a reduction in accidents. Research from cities and countries with extensive bike lane networks consistently indicates that cyclists are safer when riding on designated lanes.

In contrast, key trends in road fatalities across Europe reveal that rural roads account for the majority of deaths, comprising approximately 52 per cent of the total. Age-wise, individuals aged between 25 and 49, as well as those over 65, are the most affected groups, representing over 60 per cent of total road deaths.

Public awareness campaign against speeding © Government of the UK

Furthermore, the rapid urbanisation of Europe has transformed cities into economic hubs, but it has also exacerbated traffic congestion and introduced new road safety challenges. Cities now face the complex task of balancing mobility, safety, and environmental sustainability. The combination of local commuters, delivery vehicles, and tourists creates congestion hotspots, especially during peak hours. Additionally, the rise of e-scooters and other shared mobility services has introduced new risks, as users often navigate inappropriately. Impatience in traffic jams can also lead to reckless behaviour.

Continuous efforts are being made to address these issues through stricter enforcement of regulations, increased public awareness campaigns, and improvements in road safety technology and infrastructure. Several roads in Europe are particularly hazardous due to sharp curves, heavy traffic, or adverse weather conditions. Among the deadliest are Route 622 in Iceland, which runs along the scenic Westfjords and is notorious for its extreme weather; the A12 in Austria, known for its high accident rate; the B12 in Germany, often ranked among the most dangerous due to its numerous turns and high traffic volume; the M17 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, characterised by sharp bends and mountainous terrain; and the RN79 in France, the E83 in Bulgaria, and the coastal roads of Malta.

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UK police are warning drivers about the introduction of compulsory roadside eyesight checks aimed at improving road safety © UK Police

To enhance road safety, the EU has implemented several policies, including stricter testing for younger drivers, updated medical standards for all drivers, and periodic vision checks for older drivers in certain countries. These measures aim to ensure that all drivers meet at least the basic safety requirements before taking to the roads.

The EU has made significant strides in reducing road deaths, achieving a 22 per cent decrease over the last decade. However, progress has slowed in recent years, with only a 1 per cent decrease between 2022 and 2023, prompting the introduction of new road safety targets and policies. (Source: Road-safety charter.ec.europa.eu). Among European nations, Finland has been awarded the 2024 Road Safety Award. Overall, while road safety in the EU has improved, the goal of reducing deaths by half between 2020 and 2030 remains challenging given the current circumstances.

A key strategy is the ‘Safe System approach’, which focuses on creating multiple layers of safety to minimise the impact of human errors. This involves safer road designs, enhanced vehicle safety features, responsible road use, and efficient emergency response systems. This EU model has already been successfully adopted in Sweden and the Netherlands.

A diagram of a car Description automatically generated
© Spiceworks.com

To promote safe driving, the EU has strengthened the enforcement of regulations, including cross-border traffic penalties to ensure that drivers adhere to laws even when outside their home countries. Additionally, the EU has introduced stricter vehicle safety standards, such as mandating advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in all new vehicles to help prevent collisions. While progress is evident, the pace of advancement needs to be significantly increased to meet established targets.

Road safety initiatives are funded through the European Structural and Investment Funds, which support infrastructure improvements across member states. Furthermore, awareness campaigns and initiatives like the European Road Safety Charter, which invites organisations to commit to road safety efforts, are widely promoted throughout Europe.

Tesla’s updated AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking system) © Tesla

Over the years, numerous innovations have significantly enhanced vehicle safety, contributing to a reduction in road fatalities and accidents. Here are some key advancements:

Seatbelts are among the most fundamental yet effective safety inventions, preventing occupants from being ejected in the event of a crash. In the 1950s, Swedish car manufacturer Volvo introduced the three-point seatbelt, a design that became the industry standard and is estimated to have saved millions of lives.

Airbags were widely introduced in the 1980s to provide cushioning and reduce the impact force on passengers during a collision. Since then, they have evolved to include side, curtain, and knee airbags, further protecting occupants from various angles during crashes.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), introduced in the 1990s, helps prevent cars from skidding and losing control, particularly on slippery roads. This technology is now mandatory in the EU for new vehicles, significantly reducing the risk of rollovers and single-vehicle accidents.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which gained popularity in the 1980s, prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing drivers to maintain steering control.

More recent innovations, such as adaptive cruise control and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), utilise sensors to detect obstacles and automatically slow down or stop the car if a collision is imminent. This has greatly reduced the incidence of rear-end crashes and has become increasingly common in modern vehicles.

Blind Spot Detection and Lane-Keeping Assist alert drivers if another vehicle is in their blind spot or if they unintentionally drift out of their lane.

Telematics devices and event data recorders, akin to airplane black boxes, monitor driver behaviour and provide data to improve driving habits. They also assist insurance companies in promoting safe driving and holding drivers accountable.

To enhance road safety and reduce fatal accidents, the EU has established several requirements and guidelines for road infrastructure, such as high-quality guardrails and barriers, particularly on high-speed roads and hazardous curves. Road intersections are significant accident hotspots; therefore, the EU has invested in upgrading dangerous junctions. The use of roundabouts, for instance, reduces crash severity by lowering vehicle speeds and minimising high-impact, right-angle collisions.

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Separate lanes or barriers on roads have been actively promoted as a means of safeguarding pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists © Jeangagnon

To protect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, the promotion of separate lanes or barriers on roads has been actively encouraged, thereby decreasing the likelihood of fatal collisions. The EU’s Road Infrastructure Safety Management Directive advocates for the installation of crash cushions, high-visibility markings, and well-maintained road signs, while also setting standards for lane width, road curvature, and obstacle-free zones.

Tunnels are equipped with additional safety features, including emergency exits, fire-resistant materials, and ventilation systems, to mitigate the risks associated with accidents in confined spaces. Road Safety Impact Assessments are now mandatory in all EU Member States to identify potential safety hazards and facilitate timely interventions, prioritising updates on roads with a higher risk of accidents.

Education is a vital component in reducing road accidents. Many EU countries have comprehensive driver training and licensing programmes that encompass both theoretical and practical elements, emphasising defensive driving techniques and the importance of adhering to speed limits, using seatbelts, and observing other essential road safety measures.

Instilling road safety awareness in children and young people from an early age helps cultivate safe habits. Numerous EU Member States integrate road safety education into their school curricula, fostering safer drivers and pedestrians for the future. Public awareness campaigns are crucial in influencing road user behaviour. European-wide initiatives like the ‘European Road Safety Charter’, along with various national campaigns, raise awareness through impactful messaging about the consequences of drunk driving, speeding, and the importance of seatbelt use.

Certain demographics, such as young drivers and motorcyclists, are at a higher risk of accidents. Therefore, the EU promotes tailored education programmes that specifically address the unique risk factors faced by these groups. The EU mandates that professional drivers undergo periodic training to ensure they maintain safe driving standards. This is particularly important for bus and truck drivers, as commercial vehicles are associated with a higher risk of severe accidents. These periodic certifications cover new road safety regulations, defensive driving techniques, and fatigue management.

Education on eco-driving and smart driving focuses not only on fuel efficiency but also on safe practices, such as maintaining steady speeds, keeping safe following distances, and using brakes effectively. These practices not only reduce environmental impact but also lower the risk of accidents.

Road safety education often extends beyond formal programmes, encouraging families and communities to reinforce safe driving behaviours. Initiatives that engage parents, for instance, can ensure that young drivers receive supervision and guidance even after obtaining their licences. In the future, expanding digital and simulation-based learning tools, particularly those that simulate high-risk scenarios, could further enhance road safety education across Europe. By integrating education with technology, the EU can continue to raise driver awareness, ultimately reducing road deaths and creating safer environments for all road users.

© RoadSafetyFacts.eu

The outlook for road safety appears increasingly optimistic, thanks to advancements in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and smarter infrastructure designed to reduce accidents and fatalities. While challenges persist, several trends indicate a significant decline in road accidents over the coming decades.

One of the most promising technologies is the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs). These vehicles utilise AI to process vast amounts of data from sensors, cameras, and radars, enabling them to make real-time decisions that minimise human error. AI can effectively control speed, direction, and response times, potentially preventing many accidents. Pilot projects and testing phases for AVs are already underway, with the EU establishing clear regulatory frameworks to ensure their safe integration into public roads.

Although fully autonomous cars may still be several years away from widespread use, AI-powered driver assistance systems are already making a notable impact. As previously mentioned, many new technologies rely on AI to monitor the environment and intervene when necessary, often preventing accidents before they occur. AI can also predict when a vehicle is likely to break down, alerting drivers and fleet operators in advance. This proactive approach can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures, which contribute to a significant number of crashes.

© EDM

Additionally, AI can facilitate smarter infrastructure. Traffic lights and signals can adapt more effectively to real-time traffic conditions, thereby reducing congestion and preventing accidents caused by driver impatience or unsafe lane changes. AI-powered road sensors can monitor traffic flow and identify accident hotspots, alerting authorities to hazardous conditions before they escalate.

The European ‘Vision Zero’ initiative underscores the importance of integrating advanced technologies into road safety policies. Furthermore, the EU is funding projects to develop AI-based solutions that monitor and improve driving behaviour, vehicle safety, and road infrastructure, aiming to reduce human errors—a leading cause of traffic fatalities.

With innovations ranging from self-driving vehicles to real-time traffic management systems, the future holds remarkable promise. However, technology alone cannot ensure safety; it must be complemented by education, enforcement, and empathy. Ultimately, the road is shared by all, and so is the responsibility. In this collective mission, every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to a safer tomorrow.

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