Bulgaria had the highest road fatality rate in the European Union in 2023, with 82 deaths per million inhabitants, followed by Romania with 81 deaths per million inhabitants, the European Commission (EC) said on 8th March, citing preliminary data.

The EU average is 46 deaths per million inhabitants. Sweden has the safest roads with 22 deaths per million inhabitants, followed by Denmark with 27 per million.

In total, around 20 400 people died in road accidents in the EU, with 52% of deaths on rural roads, 38% in urban areas and 9% on motorways. The tendency for cyclists is worrying as the number of deaths is not decreasing. The main causes of road deaths are lack of adequate infrastructure, speeding, distraction and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.