Road traffic accidents (RTA) in Greece and their profound consequences have consistently remained a pressing concern for society. However, there is a risk that we have grown accustomed to this issue, rendering it more of a seasonal topic rather than an ongoing priority. While recent data indicates a downward trend in accidents and fatalities, the statistics remain alarmingly high (see Figure 1). According to the most recent annual traffic accident report (2023), there were 10,890 recorded RTAs resulting in 637 fatalities, 651 severe injuries, and 12,390 light injuries. These figures encompass all incidents where at least one individual was injured or lost their life, prompting the involvement of police traffic for documentation. On average, nearly two lives are lost and 36 individuals are injured every day in Greece due to road traffic accidents.
Figure 1: Road traffic accidents in Greece during 1991-2022 (data source: www.statistics.gr).
As the tourist season approaches its conclusion each year, RTAs become a focal point in the media. The summer months, particularly from April to October, witness a surge in road accidents, peaking during mid-summer (see Figure 2), a direct consequence of increased travel and visitor activity, especially in tourist hotspots. Worldwide, road accidents rank as the primary cause of tourist fatalities, and this issue ought to be a year-round concern, particularly in Greece, where road accidents are the seventh leading cause of death and disability. In 2023, Greece ranked 25th in the European Union for road fatalities per million inhabitants (see Figure 3). Notably, even during the COVID-19 curfews, when traffic was ostensibly reduced, the decline in RTAs was not commensurate with the diminished vehicular activity, particularly concerning fatal incidents (see Figure 2). Following the lifting of restrictions, accident rates reverted to anticipated levels, despite the tourist season commencing later than usual.
Figure 2: Road traffic accidents and casualties in Greece from 01/2010 to 06/2024 (data source: data source: www.statistics.gr).
Figure 3: Road traffic acidents fatalities per millioninhabitants-preliminary data for 2023 (data source: Mobility and Transport-European Commission[1]).
What Causes Road Traffic Accidents?
Road traffic accidents stem from a confluence of socio-economic and technical factors. Socio-economic elements may include economic conditions, cultural attitudes, educational levels, unemployment rates, and psychological states (see Psarras et al. 2024a, 2024b and 2024c). Technical considerations, on the other hand, mostly concern the availability and quality of road infrastructure as well as the mechanical state of vehicles.
How Can We Reduce Them?
The role of the state in mitigating road accidents is crucial, yet individual responsibility is equally vital in addressing this issue. The maintenance and enhancement of infrastructure—such as roads, sidewalks, motorways, signage, traffic signals, and road surface quality—rests mainly with the state (see Laliotis et al., 2023). Regarding the technical and technological condition of vehicles, responsibility is shared between individual vehicle owners, who must ensure regular maintenance and compliance with vehicle inspection standards, and the state, which should reinforce traffic policing—especially in tourist areas during peak seasons—and consider subsidies to facilitate the purchase of newer vehicles. The average age of passenger vehicles in circulation in Greece is currently 17 years, highlighting a pressing need for modernization.
When considering socio-economic factors, both governmental intervention and community engagement are essential in reducing accidents. Education on road safety and responsible driving behavior must be prioritized, starting from an early age within the educational system. Evidence from various U.S. states illustrates that allowing teenagers to drive under supervision before obtaining their driver’s license has led to significant reductions in youth fatalities and overall accidents. Although similar initiatives have been tentatively introduced in Greece, their impact has yet to be substantial. Moreover, raising awareness about the challenges faced by visitors when navigating Greece’s roads, particularly on the islands, should be a component of the state’s strategy to reduce summer accidents.
Ultimately, enhancing education and fostering a culture of responsible driving behavior remains paramount. Adhering strictly to traffic laws and practicing courtesy on the road are fundamental strategies in the collective effort to diminish road traffic accidents.
In conclusion, while road traffic accidents may emerge as a seasonal talking point, they demand sustained attention and action throughout the year. A comprehensive approach that involves both state initiatives and individual accountability is essential in promoting road safety and reducing the toll of RTAs in Greece.
[1] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/2023-figures-show-stalling-progress-reducing-road-fatalities-too-many-countries-2024-03-08_en
References
Laliotis, I., Moscelli, G., & Monastiriotis, V. (2023). Summertime and the drivin’is easy? Daylight saving time and vehicle accidents. Health economics, 32(10), 2192-2215.
Psarras, A., Panagiotidis, T., & Andronikidis, A. (2024a). Covid-19, tourism and road traffic accidents: Evidence from Greece. Journal of Transportation Safety & Security, 16(8), 893-913.
Psarras, A., Panagiotidis, T., & Andronikidis, A. (2024b). The role of tourism in road traffic accidents: the case of Greece. Current Issues in Tourism, 27(4), 567-583.
Psarras, A., Panagiotidis, T., & Andronikidis, A. (2024c). The short-term impact of a referendum on motor vehicle collisions casualties. Traffic injury prevention, 25(1), 65-69.
Note: This article gives the views of the author, not the position of Greece@LSE, the Hellenic Observatory or the London School of Economics.
