Greece is facing a serious road safety crisis with alarmingly high fatality rates and frequent traffic accidents. According to the SOS Traffic Crimes Association, there were 38 hit-and-run incidents in July and August alone, with 74% of them happening in urban areas.
With 637 road deaths recorded in 2023, Greece ranks among the top five EU countries for traffic fatalities, well above the EU average. Experts are calling for urgent reforms, including the proposed reduction of urban speed limits to 30 km/h under Greece’s National Road Safety Strategic Plan (2021-2030), aimed at eliminating road deaths completely by 2050.
Preliminary data from 2024 shows little improvement in fatality rates, especially in cities where 50% of all road deaths occur. Motorcyclists are particularly at risk, with 38% of fatalities compared to the EU average of 18%. Professor Ioannis Politis suggests lower speed limits and urban design changes to enhance road safety.
The Greek government is implementing its Vision Zero plan, which includes road safety education, helmet mandates, and financial incentives for motorcyclist safety gear. With these initiatives, Greece aims to bridge the gap with safer EU countries and significantly reduce road fatalities by 2050.