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The latest report from the European Commission on road fatalities in 2024 has revealed a modest 3% decrease in the number of fatalities, equating to approximately 19,800 deaths. This represents 600 fewer lives lost compared to the previous year. Although this reduction is a step in the right direction, experts warn that progress is insufficient and that the European Union (EU) is still far from achieving its goal of halving road deaths by 2030.
Slow Progress Toward the “Vision Zero” Goal
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, acknowledged the 3% reduction but emphasized that “Too many lives are still lost on our roads every year. We must accelerate efforts to improve road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users and in high-risk areas like rural roads. Every death is one too many, and we remain committed to achieving our Vision Zero goal.” He called for efforts to be accelerated, especially in protecting vulnerable users such as cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, he reiterated the EU’s commitment to the Vision Zero goal, which seeks to eliminate all road deaths by 2050.
Despite the positive trend, the report highlights a slow pace of improvement. According to preliminary data, most EU Member States are not on track to meet the 50% reduction in road deaths by 2030. The situation varies significantly between countries. Some have made significant progress, while others have stalled or even seen an increase in fatalities.
Differences Among Member States
The 3% decrease in fatalities is an EU-wide average but hides major differences between countries. For example, Greece, Spain, France, and Italy have recorded minimal declines over the past five years. However, Ireland and Estonia have experienced a slight increase in fatalities. In contrast, countries like Bulgaria, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovenia are making significant strides toward the 2030 target.
Romania presents a mixed picture. Although it has reduced road deaths by 21% since 2019, it still has the highest fatality rate in the EU — with 77 deaths per million inhabitants in 2024.
On the other hand, Sweden remains the safest country, with just 20 deaths per million inhabitants. The EU average is 44 deaths per million inhabitants.
Who Are the Most Affected?
The demographic analysis of road fatalities reveals the following trends:
77% of road deaths are men.
People over the age of 65 accounted for 31% of fatalities, a significant increase from 28% in 2019.
Young people aged 18 to 24, who make up just 7% of the population, were involved in 12% of deaths.
Vulnerable users — pedestrians, cyclists, and riders of powered two-wheelers — face the highest risk. In urban areas, nearly 70% of fatalities fall within these groups. Overall, road fatalities break down into the following categories:
Car occupants: 44%
Powered two-wheeler users (motorcycles and mopeds): 20%
Pedestrians: 18%
Cyclists: 10%
Rural roads remain the most dangerous, accounting for 52% of road deaths, followed by urban areas, and lastly highways. These figures underline the urgent need for targeted safety measures in these zones.
Looking Ahead: Road Safety Strategies and Measures
The EU’s goal to halve road deaths by 2030 is part of a broader strategy to improve road safety. This goal was established in the 2018 Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety, which also introduced the Vision Zero target for 2050.
To move forward with these goals, the European Commission has put forward several proposals to improve road safety, including:
Updating driver’s license requirements.
Strengthening the enforcement of traffic laws.
Revising vehicle safety regulations to reduce the number of unsafe cars on the roads.
In addition, other key strategies such as the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and the Urban Mobility Framework are designed to significantly reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads.
The European Road Safety Observatory has also published a detailed annual report analyzing trends in road safety.
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Report Conclusions
While the 3% reduction in road deaths in 2024 is a positive development, the data shows that much more remains to be done. The report highlights the urgency of implementing stronger measures — especially for vulnerable users and in high-risk areas.
If the EU accelerates its efforts and strengthens collaboration between countries, it could make significant progress toward its Vision Zero goal and ensure safer roads for everyone.
