Several key pan-European NGOs are promoting road safety and publishing annual statistics related to severe and fatal injuries. Whereas PHOEBE recently summarised the findings of the ‘Road Safety Annual Report’ of the International Transport Forum (ITF), the European Transport Safety Council has also published its recent ‘19th Road Safety Performance Index (PIN)’ report, which shows a mixed trend. The overall number of road fatalities in Europe is declining, but is falling far short of the 6.1% average annual reduction needed to reach the 2030 target of halving road deaths and injuries.
Summary of the report:
Between 2023 and 2024, road deaths in the EU27 declined by a modest 2%. Since 2019, the reduction has totalled just 12%, indicating a worrying stagnation in progress. Lithuania emerged as the most improved country, halving its road deaths over the last decade through a comprehensive national plan, including stricter enforcement, infrastructure upgrades, and behavioural interventions. Belgium and Slovenia also demonstrated significant success through speed limit reductions, cycle infrastructure, and targeted campaigns.
In contrast, countries such as Switzerland, Israel and the Netherlands recorded rising fatality figures, with Switzerland’s increase reaching 34%. These trends are attributed to a lack of political commitment, inadequate enforcement, and underdeveloped strategies.
Norway retained its position as the safest country, with 16 deaths per million inhabitants in 2024 and a national strategy containing 179 action measures across 15 priority areas. Sweden followed closely with 20 per million. Meanwhile, Serbia and Romania remained the most dangerous, each exceeding 75 deaths per million. The disparity between countries remains stark, reflecting variations in infrastructure, enforcement and political will.
Efforts to reduce serious injuries have also faltered. A 14% decline was recorded across the EU24 between 2014 and 2024, far from the 50% target. Underreporting and inconsistent definitions continue to obscure the true scale of the issue.
The report recommends that governments adopt the Safe System Approach, prioritise vulnerable road users, improve enforcement, and rapidly implement data collection for Key Performance Indicators. Without immediate and coordinated action, the EU’s 2030 targets remain in serious jeopardy.