Road fatalities in the EU increased by 6% after a decade of continuous decline, with some Eastern European countries reporting the highest number of deaths per million inhabitants.
In 2021, a total of 19,917 people lost their lives on EU roads, which is a thousand more compared to 2020 (18,834). The previous year's decrease is believed to be due to COVID-related restrictions.
However, the overall figures indicate a significant decrease compared to 2011 when over 28,000 people lost their lives in road accidents.The main contributors to the increase in road traffic accidents (RTAs) in the EU in 2023 were France, Germany, and Italy, countries with highly developed road networks and a large number of vehicles.
In terms of high per capita rates, Eastern EU member states lead the way, including Romania, Bulgaria, and Latvia, despite a decrease in the number of deaths in RTAs approaching the threshold of 100 fatalities per million people.Malta has recorded only 17 fatalities in RTAs per million people. The only better result is seen in Norway with 15 deaths per million.Sweden and Denmark also have some of the lowest mortality rates.
The European Union's announcement in March 2023 regarding the plan to reform and standardise driving exams throughout the bloc reflects the commitment to reducing road fatalities. The proposed measures include raising the minimum age for taking the driving exam to 17 and implementing a two-year probationary period for inexperienced drivers. These initiatives aim to enhance road safety by ensuring that individuals are adequately prepared and gain sufficient experience before obtaining their driving licences.
While the introduced reforms are a step in the right direction, there is a pressing need to accelerate their implementation to meet the EU's ambitious target of halving road traffic deaths by 2030. The European Transport Safety Council emphasises the importance of not diluting the measures during the legislative process, urging member states and the European Parliament to remain steadfast in their commitment to road safety.
By standardising driving exams and establishing stricter regulations for novice drivers, the European Union seeks to create a safer driving environment and reduce the occurrence of accidents and fatalities on European roads. The proposed reforms address key factors contributing to road accidents, such as lack of experience and inadequate skills among young drivers.
Ultimately, the success of these measures will depend on the effective implementation and enforcement by member states, as well as the cooperation and support of relevant stakeholders. By prioritising road safety and actively working towards the outlined goals, the European Union aims to make significant progress in reducing road fatalities and creating safer transportation systems across the bloc.
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