Even if we are an experienced driver, we are never immune to a mistake or an accident, and it can happen sooner than we think. Especially since bad behavior on the road tends to increase over time, and especially after incarceration. This is especially true of speeding, which is increasing. But what about road deaths? Is there a downward trend? You would logically think so, while speed cameras are getting bigger and bigger and cars are getting safer. But it is not so obvious, on the contrary.

After the death of a five-year-old child in an accident on an electric scooter, Nice is using its security arsenal on the Promenade des Anglais
➡️ https://t.co/abRhDBE8Xs pic.twitter.com/OOETBRZbJf

— The Parisian (@le_Parisian) July 8, 2022

Average evolution

More specifically, Road Safety has just published its own final death toll on the roads in 2022. If the numbers aren’t as alarming as those published earlier in the year, they’re not very good. Last year, at least 3,267 people died on French roads, which is 0.7% more than in 2019. In fact, mortality has returned to pre-Covid-19 levels. On the other hand, we note that there were fewer victims than before. Indeed 236,834 wounded, including all seriously, and 15,956 seriously wounded. This is a drop of 1.8%.

Bicycles pay a lot

However, in reality, motorists account for only 48% of road deaths. Indeed, and not surprisingly, most fatal accidents involve cyclists and pedestrians. The former pay a heavy price, as the number of deaths increased by 31%, or even by 44% outside the cities. Last year at least 35 people also died riding a electric scootercompared to just 10 in 2019. Pedestrian fatalities are up 5% from the same year before COVID.