Finland Recording Continuous

Drop in Road Fatalities

It is a consecutive year with fatalities below 200. PHOTO: POLIISI.FI16 JAN - Traffic safety has demonstrated positive progress in Finland in 2023, with road traffic fatalities dropping below 200 for a second consecutive year, preliminary statistics published by Finnish Police show.

Decline

The most significant decline in fatalities occurred among passengers traveling in cars. Stats indicate 173 road traffic-related deaths, compared to the preliminary figure of 196 in 2022. The final count for 2023 is expected to slightly increase as more accurate statistics become available later in 2024.

Analysis

An analysis of fatalities by road user group reveals the most significant increase is observed among those traveling in vans. The period between January and November 2023 saw a record-low number of children under the age of 15 losing their lives, with only one pedestrian fatality. In contrast, 2022 recorded eight child fatalities, including two pedestrians, two cyclists, two in cars, and two in other vehicles.

Achievement

“All road users contribute to achieving and improving the traffic safety situation: the authorities maintaining infrastructure, traffic control authorities, vehicles designed to be safe, the correct use of safety and protective equipment, etc. So together, we will create safe traffic, build on this and make 2024 even safer than last year”, the Police commented in a statement.