Road deaths across the European Union fell by 3% in 2024, bringing the total to approximately 19,800, continuing a decade-long decline in fatalities, as reported by the European Parliament.
- Road deaths across the European Union fell by 3% in 2024, bringing the total to approximately 19,800, continuing a decade-long decline in fatalities, as reported by the European Parliament.
Meanwhile, Cyprus is facing a troubling trend, with 40 deaths recorded in just 36 accidents up to 14 November 2025. This figure is on track to surpass last year’s total of 41 deaths, indicating a concerning rise in fatalities on the island.
EU-wide statistics reflect a steady decrease in road deaths since 2015, when fatalities peaked at 24,358. A significant drop was observed in 2020, attributed mainly to mobility restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw fatalities drop to 18,830.
In contrast, 2023 marked a record low for Cyprus, with 32 fatal accidents resulting in 34 deaths. This was an improvement from 2022’s 37 fatal accidents and 35 deaths, and a notable reduction from 2021’s 44 fatal accidents with 45 fatalities. The trend appears to be reversing as the current year progresses.
Road deaths: Disparities in Road Safety Across the EU
Sweden boasts the highest road safety, recording just 20 deaths per million inhabitants, while Denmark follows with 24 deaths per million. In stark contrast, Romania recorded the highest mortality rate in 2024 at 77 deaths per million, closely followed by Bulgaria at 74 deaths per million. The EU average stands at 44 road deaths per million inhabitants.
Men accounted for 77% of road deaths in 2023, indicating that three out of four fatalities involved male victims. Additionally, individuals over the age of 65 represented 31% of all road deaths, a figure that has risen from 28% in 2019, despite that age group making up only 21% of the total population. Conversely, young people aged 18-24, while only comprising 7% of the population, accounted for 12% of road fatalities.
Where Accidents Are Happening
Geographically, about 52% of fatal accidents in the EU occurred on rural roads, while 38% took place in urban areas, and only 9% on motorways in 2023. This suggests that rural roads remain particularly hazardous.
In terms of regional statistics, Bulgaria’s Severozapaden region recorded the highest mortality rate in the EU, with 166 road deaths per million inhabitants. Other regions, such as Greece’s Ionian Islands and South Aegean, reported rates of 120 and 119 per million respectively. On the other end of the spectrum, Belgium’s Brussels Capital Region had the lowest rate, with just 5 deaths per million inhabitants, and two EU regions reported no road deaths at all: Finland’s Åland and Spain’s Ciudad de Melilla.
Future Safety Measures and Regulations
In light of these figures, the European Parliament has recently approved stricter regulations regarding driving licences, aiming for zero road deaths by 2050. These new rules include establishing safe speed limits of 30 km/h in residential areas, introducing digital driving licences, and implementing probationary periods for novice drivers. Furthermore, serious offences may lead to licence suspension across all member states, and certain safety features will be mandated in all vehicles.
Additionally, the EU is enhancing safety management for road infrastructure and is working towards common regulations for autonomous vehicles, signalling a proactive approach to improving road safety.
