In Cyprus, an increase in the relative level of mortality in road traffic accidents has been recorded — in 2025 the figure reached 46 deaths per million inhabitants. This is about 10% higher than the previous year, signaling a negative trend. At the same time, in the long term the situation looks somewhat better: compared to 2019, mortality has decreased by approximately 13%. These data are provided by the European Commission, citing the latest road statistics across EU countries.
Where the most dangerous accidents occur
Analysis of European data shows that the greatest risk for drivers and passengers remains outside cities. Rural roads remain the main hotspot for fatal accidents, accounting for more than half of all tragic cases. The urban environment, despite dense traffic, turns out to be somewhat safer, while motorways demonstrate the lowest mortality rate.
Experts explain this by a combination of factors: higher speeds outside cities, insufficient lighting, narrow roads, and limited enforcement. It is also important that for every fatal accident in Europe, there are approximately five people with serious injuries, further highlighting the scale of the problem.
Overall situation on EU roads
By the end of 2025, about 19,400 people died on the roads of the European Union. Despite the increase in the number of cars and total mileage, the overall number of deaths decreased by approximately 3% compared to the previous year. However, the European Union notes that the pace of improvement remains insufficient to achieve strategic goals.
Some countries are showing notable progress. For example, Estonia has significantly reduced mortality, and Greece has also demonstrated a noticeable decline. Nevertheless, in most countries the trend is either stagnating or changing too slowly.
The leaders in road safety remain the Scandinavian countries. Sweden and Denmark traditionally show the best results, maintaining mortality rates at around 20–23 cases per million inhabitants. This success is associated with well-designed infrastructure, strict regulations, and a high driving culture.
Who most often becomes a victim of road accidents
Statistics show that the main share of fatalities falls on drivers and passengers of passenger cars. A significant portion consists of motorcyclists, as well as vulnerable road users — pedestrians and cyclists.
Special attention should be paid to the increase in incidents involving electric scooters and other personal mobility devices. So far, their share in fatal accidents is small, but the upward trend is already causing concern among experts. It is noteworthy that the overwhelming majority of road accident victims are men, which is connected both with behavioral factors and with the higher proportion of men among drivers.
EU goals and future prospects
Back in 2018, the European Commission approved the “Vision Zero” strategy, which means a 50% reduction in deaths and serious injuries in road accidents by 2030. The ultimate goal is to completely eliminate road fatalities by 2050.
However, current indicators show that without additional measures — stricter enforcement, the introduction of intelligent safety systems, and increased driver responsibility — achieving these goals will be extremely difficult. Cyprus, like many other EU countries, is now faced with the need to accelerate reforms in the field of road safety in order to reverse the alarming trend.
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