The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has released a sobering analysis revealing that road deaths in the European Union saw a mere 1% reduction in 2023, with a total of 20,418 fatalities.
This marginal decrease underscores the urgent need for accelerated efforts to meet the EU’s ambitious target of halving road deaths by 2030.
Achieving this goal requires an annual reduction rate of at least 6.1%, a benchmark far from being met.
Bulgaria emerged as a notable exception, reporting a nearly 16% decline in road deaths compared to 2019. Despite this progress, Bulgaria’s road safety statistics remain alarmingly high, necessitating ongoing and enhanced measures to further reduce fatalities.
The ETSC emphasizes that sustained and intensified efforts by Bulgarian institutions are crucial to aligning with the broader European objective of zero road deaths by 2050.
The ETSC’s report coincides with recent European elections, prompting a strong call for the establishment of an EU road safety agency.
Such an agency would be endowed with specific powers to investigate road accidents, filling a critical gap in the current European transport safety framework.
At present, no dedicated body exists for road accident investigations at the EU level, unlike in the air, sea, and rail transport sectors, which have established specialized agencies.
Antonio Avenoso, Director of the ETSC, highlighted the critical juncture at which the newly elected European Parliament and the European Commission find themselves.
“Road safety must become a priority again. 100,000 people have died on EU roads in the last five years, and another 100,000 will lose their lives in the next five if nothing changes.
The newly elected MEPs and appointed commissioners must get to work,” Avenoso stated.
The ETSC has urged the European Commission to commence a comprehensive review of vehicle safety regulations.
This review should incorporate advancing safety technologies and reform periodic roadworthiness tests for vehicles, ensuring that new technologies are supported throughout a vehicle’s lifespan. Such measures are vital to bolstering road safety across the EU.
In addition to regulatory reforms, the ETSC advocates for enhanced traffic law enforcement, improved infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns to foster safer driving behaviors.
The council also recommends investing in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which have proven effective in reducing accidents and fatalities.
The stagnation in reducing road deaths is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Despite incremental improvements in certain member states, the overall pace of progress is insufficient to meet the EU’s 2030 target.
The ETSC’s report serves as a clarion call to European policymakers to prioritize road safety and implement robust, cohesive strategies that address the multifaceted nature of the problem.
As the EU grapples with this public safety crisis, the establishment of a dedicated road safety agency could mark a significant step forward.
By centralizing and professionalizing road accident investigations, the EU can develop more effective prevention strategies, leveraging data-driven insights to save lives.
The road to zero fatalities by 2050 is fraught with challenges, but with decisive action and sustained commitment, the EU can turn the tide on road safety.
The next five years will be critical in determining whether Europe can make meaningful strides towards this goal, ensuring safer roads for all its citizens.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members