New research from the European Transport Safety Council shows the worst annual reduction in EU road deaths since 2001. A total of 25,845 people were killed on roads in EU28 in 2014 as a consequence of road collisions – a decrease of just 0.6% compared to 2013.

The ETSC added that EU member states now need to cut deaths by almost 8% each year until 2020 to meet the target set in 2010 to halve deaths within a decade. It added its concerns that a planned EU strategic target to reduce serious injuries appears to have been dropped despite being repeatedly promised by the current European Commission.

And the ETSC has also called on the EU to commit to making key safety technologies such as Automated Emergency Braking (AEB), overridable Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), intelligent seat belt reminders for passenger seats and an interface for alcohol interlock devices to be made standard on all new vehicles. A proposal for revised vehicle safety standards is expected later this year.  

France, Ireland, Germany and the UK were among the 12 EU member states that saw an increase in the number of road deaths last year compared to 2013. On a positive note Croatia, Slovenia, Finland, Greece, Luxembourg and Malta all recorded reductions of around 10% or more.  

Antonio Avenoso, executive director of the ETSC, commented: “These latest figures reinforce the message that road safety requires consistent political support at the highest level, constant vigilance on enforcement and network safety management, and the need to respond to evolving challenges such as increased numbers of people walking and cycling and an ageing society.  It’s very disappointing to see the UK, a road safety champion, dropping its guard in recent years: we are now seeing the fallout with progress slowing and even going into reverse.”

The ETSC also praised Slovenia for having reduced annual road deaths by 61% since 2001.  The country’s long term progress and high-level commitment to road safety are being recognised at an event being held today (18 June) in Brussels. ETSC will present its annual Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) award to Peter Gašperšič, Slovenia’s Minister of Infrastructure.  

Mr Avenoso added: “Slovenia, our 2015 PIN Award winner, deserves huge credit for its commitment to robust targets, establishment of a dedicated road safety agency and a detailed plan of action. Nevertheless, Slovenia has a lot of work still to do to close the gap with the safest countries.”  

The 2015 ETSC PIN report can be downloaded from http://etsc.eu/3asD4.