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Latvia, Austria, and Greece Lead the EU in Dangerous Driving Habits

Driving

Thinking about a road trip across Europe often brings images of scenic routes and well-maintained highways. While generally true, a closer look reveals significant differences in driving behaviors between nations.

Recent analysis sheds light on driving habits within the EU, pinpointing countries where certain risky actions behind the wheel are more common than you might expect. This data gives us a clearer view of road safety realities across the continent.

Hotspots for Hazardous Driving

A study examining driver behavior has identified specific countries within the EU where concerning patterns emerge. Latvia, for instance, shows a troubling mix of factors, contributing to a high road fatality rate of 75 deaths per million people annually. A notable issue there is the significant number of drivers using phones while driving.

Instagram | roadpol_eu | The number of road deaths per million inhabitants in Latvia indicates a persistent road safety issue.

The research didn’t just look at one factor. It analyzed several critical behaviors to get a rounded picture:

– Rates of road fatalities
– Instances of driving after consuming alcohol
– Speeding on major highways
– Driving while feeling drowsy
– Using a phone while operating a vehicle
– Failing to use a seatbelt

Following Latvia, Austria presents its own concerns, with a striking 22.1% of drivers admitting they have driven after drinking alcohol. Greece also ranks high on the list, primarily because nearly 28% of drivers there do not regularly wear seatbelts – the highest percentage for this specific behavior recorded in the analysis.

These findings come from data compiled by the European Commission and survey results from the Vias Institute’s extensive E-Survey of Road Users’ Attitudes (ESRA).

Surprising Trends in Seemingly Safe Nations

Interestingly, risky driving isn’t confined to the countries topping the overall list. Some nations known for their high quality of life also show high rates of specific dangerous habits. Take Finland, where over 40% of drivers reported talking on a handheld phone while driving, marking the highest rate for this behavior among the surveyed countries. Similarly, Luxembourg reveals a significant issue with driving under the influence, as almost four out of ten drivers there admit to having done so.

Mattijs Wijnmalen, CEO of the organization that commissioned the study, highlighted this point: “It’s quite concerning to observe such high rates of specific dangerous actions in places like Luxembourg and Finland – countries generally known for excellent infrastructure and living standards. It shows that dangerous habits can persist anywhere.”

The Bigger Road Safety Picture in the EU

Instagram | stockholm.explore | Sweden, with a road fatality rate of 22 per million, leads Europe in road safety.

Looking at the broader EU context provides valuable perspective. In 2024, there was a reported 3% decrease in road fatalities compared to the previous year, meaning about 600 fewer lives were lost. While any reduction is positive, European Commission officials emphasize that this rate of improvement is too slow. The bloc has a target to halve road deaths by 2030, and current trends suggest most member states are not on track to meet this critical goal.

Where are the biggest risks? Rural roads continue to be the most dangerous environments, accounting for 52% of all road fatalities across the EU.

Who is most affected?

– Men constitute the majority of road deaths, at 77%.
– Older adults (aged 65 and over) and young people (aged 18-24) face heightened risks.
– Car occupants (drivers and passengers) represent the largest group of fatalities.
– Motorcyclists follow, making up 20% of deaths.
– Pedestrians account for 18%.
– Cyclists represent 10%.

In urban areas, the risk shifts significantly towards vulnerable road users. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists together account for nearly 70% of fatalities within city limits.

Amidst these concerning statistics, Sweden stands out as a beacon of road safety. With just 22 deaths per million inhabitants, it boasts the lowest road fatality rate in Europe, well below the continental average, demonstrating that significantly safer roads are achievable.

Understanding these varied patterns across nations is key to developing more effective strategies for improving road safety for everyone.

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