EU road deaths fall to all-time low – despite evidence of increased risk-taking behaviours

April 2021

Almost 4,000 fewer people lost their lives on EU roads in 2020 according to preliminary figures on road fatalities published by the European Commission.

An estimated 18,800 were killed in road crashes, an unprecedented annual fall of 17% on 2019, making EU roads the safest in the world!

Over the previous decade, between 2010 and 2020, the number of road deaths dropped by 36%, with 42 road deaths per 1 million inhabitants, compared to the world average of more than 180.

Lower traffic volumes, as the result of the Covid-19 pandemic, had a clear, though unmeasurable, impact on the number of road fatalities.

However, preliminary data in the US, for example, show that fatalities spiked in 2020, despite lower traffic volumes Evidence in some EU countries also points to an increase in risk-taking behaviour, in particular speeding, during lockdown periods.

Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean says joint action is needed to prevent a return to pre-COVID levels.

“In our Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, we have reiterated our commitment to implementing the EU road safety strategy and bringing down the death toll for all modes of transport close to zero.”

Based on preliminary figures, 18 Member States registered their lowest ever number of road fatalities, but only Greece (54%) exceeded the EU target of 50%.

EU-wide, around 70% of road fatalities in urban areas involve vulnerable road users which includes pedestrians, motorcyclist and cyclists. Tackling road safety in cities is therefore a key area of focus and the Commission wants to ensure that road safety is taken into account at all stages of urban mobility planning.

For more information:

2020 road safety statistics: what is behind the figures?

Commission's road safety work and EU road safety statistics and analysis

The Commission's Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety and EU road safety policy framework 2021-2030 sets out ambitious road safety plans to reach zero road deaths by 2050 (‘Vision Zero’). This included setting out key performance indicators for safe roads and roadsides; safe vehicles; safe road use, including safe speed, sober driving, preventing driving while distracted and use of safety belts and protective equipment; and fast and effective post-crash care.

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