In 2024, efforts to improve road safety continued in Europe, particularly through the Vision Zero policy, which aims to reduce road deaths to zero by 2050. The new Road Safety Index report presents the results of an analysis of 32 cities across the continent. The results of this study not only show overall trends, but also highlight cities that have made significant progress in this area.
Road Trends and Challenges for 2024
An analysis of the latest data shows that Europe is seeing a decline in the number of road traffic accidents, but the rate of decline varies from city to city.
- Road deaths: There was a 13% decrease in the European Union from 2021 to 2023. This shows that safety measures taken at EU level are producing positive results.
- Assessing city efforts: In major metropolitan areas such as Rome and Athens, residents have expressed concerns about the lack of action taken by local authorities in the area of road safety.
- Policy support: The majority of Europeans support the idea of a complete alcohol ban for drivers, which could significantly improve overall road safety.
Best Practices and Security Leaders
Some cities stand out for their road safety achievements, setting examples of good practices:
- infrastructure – Amsterdam and Copenhagen are known for their safe bike lanes, making them leaders in ensuring safety not only for motorists, but also for cyclists;
- impact on the real estate market – in cities with a high level of security, such as London and Tallinn, there has been a steady increase in housing costs. Road safety is a significant factor when choosing a place to live, which contributes to an increase in demand and prices for real estate.
The ranking of the best cities for road safety in 2024 is as follows:
- Tallinn (Estonia) 🇪🇪
- Zaragoza (Spain) 🇪🇸
- London (UK) 🇬🇧
- Vienna (Austria) 🇦🇹
- Helsinki (Finland) 🇫🇮
This report highlights the need for all European cities to work proactively to improve road conditions. Despite differences in approaches and results, the common goal is to create a safe and comfortable transport environment for all residents.
Road safety is one of the key factors that you should pay attention to when choosing a property to live or invest in. Well-developed infrastructure, the presence of controlled intersections and pedestrian zones, illuminated streets and well-organized traffic ensure peace of mind for residents and the attractiveness of the area for future tenants. Property located in an area with safe roads is especially appreciated by families with children and the elderly who value security on their way to school, work or shopping. Investing in such areas increases the value of the property in the long term, as safety is always a priority.