Road fatalities in Switzerland increasing, while European average declines

The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) has shared that the number of road deaths in Switzerland has increased by over a third in the past five years. In comparison, road fatalities in most other European countries are declining.

Road fatalities in Switzerland increased by 34 percent

Drivers may be concerned to hear that Switzerland has recorded a 34 percent increase in the number of fatal road accidents in the past five years, according to a report by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC).

This is in contrast to most other European countries, which saw a 12 percent decrease in the number of road fatalities, on average. Over a 10-year period, Switzerland saw a 2,9 percent increase while European countries recorded a 17 percent decrease, on average. 

Other countries in Europe which also reported an increase in fatalities were the Netherlands (2,1 percent), Slovakia (6,9 percent), Ireland (22,9 percent) and Estonia (32,7 percent).

Despite the increase in road fatalities from accidents or car crashes in Switzerland, “Swiss roads are still among the safest”, says Mario Cavegn, Head of Road Traffic at the BFU). 

Road safety in Switzerland lacks political engagement, according to the BFU

In a BFU press release, Cavegn attributes the increase in the number of deaths on Swiss roads to “insufficient political engagement”. In 2024, the number of deaths reached 250, and while the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) has set targets to reduce fatalities to 100 by 2030, it lacks political support, Cavegn explains.  

Measures introduced by the Swiss government have had an impact on road safety. For example, since the minimum age for riding a motorbike was lowered in 2021, the number of serious motorcycling accidents involving people under 18 years old has more than doubled. 

The BFU statement goes on to call for a nationwide plan to increase road safety. The plan includes stricter measures around speeding, alcohol and drug use and more regular road policy reviews. The BFU also recommends the adoption of the “Safe System”, a framework that focuses on safe speeds, infrastructure, vehicles, and road user behaviour.