Significantly More Traffic Fatalities on Austria's Roads in the First Half of the Year

The preliminary data shows an increase from 138 to 162 deaths, which corresponds to an increase of 17 percent, as reported by the Road Safety Board. The current balance is also overshadowed by the deaths of four children.

Sharp Increase in Traffic Fatalities on Bicycles, E-Bikes, and E-Scooters

14 percent of all traffic fatalities were pedestrians. About one in five accidents involved a motorcycle. Compared to the same period last year, the number of affected bikers increased by 19 percent. Also notable is the sharp increase in fatalities on bicycles, E-bikes, and E-scooters by 108 percent. The situation has been particularly drastic this year for unprotected road users. The KFV analyzed data from the Ministry of the Interior and Statistics Austria up to and including June 29. According to this preliminary half-year balance, 16 percent of the total 162 traffic fatalities were involved in accidents with bicycles, E-bikes, or E-scooters.

KFV Demands Helmet Requirement for E-Bike and E-Scooter Riders

"The boom in E-bikes and E-scooters means that unprotected road users are traveling significantly faster today and are therefore exposed to a higher risk of injury than before," said Klaus Robatsch, head of road safety at the KFV. The expert reiterated the demand for the introduction of a helmet requirement when using E-bikes and E-scooters. Additionally, the infrastructure for cyclists must be significantly expanded at all levels.

While three children lost their lives in road traffic in the first half of the previous year, there have already been four this year. Two of them were independently traveling on bicycles and were killed at unguarded railway crossings. The KFV therefore also calls for a tighter timeframe for the inspection of railway crossings, as stated in the release.

"The goal of the Austrian road safety strategy of a maximum of 310 deaths by the end of the year is likely to be clearly missed, as more accidents typically occur in the second half of the year than in the first," said Robatsch. The main causes of accidents in the first half of the year were inattention and distraction, as well as inappropriate speed.

Corona Years Brought Fewer Traffic Fatalities on Austria's Roads

Over the ten-year period, it is noticeable that the Corona years 2020 and 2021 (153 and 151) with all their restrictions brought the lowest traffic fatalities in the first half of the year. In the same period in 2016, there were 190 fatalities, and in 2018 even 199. While 2022 saw 191 deaths, the number dropped to 179 in 2023 and even to 138 in the previous year. According to the mobility club ÖAMTC, a comparison of federal states shows that only in Carinthia, Salzburg, and Styria did the number of traffic fatalities decrease. Increases, however, were recorded in Burgenland, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Tyrol, and Vienna. In Vorarlberg, the number remained unchanged.

ÖAMTC Warns of Upcoming Accident-Prone Days

With the start of the holidays in eastern Austria and the onset of travel traffic, the most accident-prone days of the year are now approaching, warned the ÖAMTC. A current analysis by the club shows that from 2012 to 2024, an average of 155 accidents with personal injury occurred on July 6th - about 55 more than on an average day. "The first week of July is generally particularly accident-prone: Five of the ten days with the highest accident occurrences fall in this period," said ÖAMTC traffic engineer Christoph Schönlechner. July also leads in the monthly comparison - ahead of June and August. In the summer months, inattention, distraction, fatigue, and health problems due to heat occur significantly more frequently than the annual average. The expert advocated starting long journeys well-rested, taking regular breaks, and ensuring adequate fluid intake.

VCÖ for Speed Limit 80 Instead of 100 on Rural Roads

The mobility organization VCÖ advocates for a speed reduction on rural roads in light of the high death toll, with 56 percent of traffic fatalities occurring on these roads last year. "The safest countries in Europe have lower speed limits on rural roads. In Austria, too, many serious accidents could be avoided and lives saved if a speed limit of 80 on rural roads became the rule and 100 the exception that needs justification," said VCÖ expert Katharina Jaschinsky. More speed controls, especially on rural roads, are also important.

In international comparison, it is also evident that traffic fines in Austria are relatively low. An example is using a mobile phone while driving: "Talking on the phone with a mobile at the ear results in reaction times as poor as a driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.8. Even more dangerous is texting while driving. The fine of 100 euros is disproportionate to the risk to the health and life of other road users," said Jaschinsky. The VCÖ calls for the inclusion of the offense of using a phone while driving in the demerit point system.

(APA/Red)

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