More traffic on the roads and inattentive drivers mean that the number of people who die in traffic accidents increases, according to the Swedish Transport Agency.
232 people died in road traffic in 2023, according to preliminary figures from the Swedish Transport Agency. That is an increase of five people compared to 2022. The most common type of accident among motorists is single-vehicle accidents, followed by collision accidents.
That the number of people who die in traffic accidents is increasing goes completely against the Swedish goals. The trend has been ongoing for three years. In 2020, the number of traffic fatalities was the lowest, due to the reduction in traffic during the pandemic.
– After that, we have unfortunately seen an increase in the number of deaths in traffic. Figures from Traffic Analysis show that traffic work on Swedish roads has steadily increased in recent years – which could probably be one of the explanations for the increase in fatal accidents, says Jonas Bjelfvenstam, Director General of the Swedish Transport Agency.
In response to a follow-up question from We Bilägare about what this means, the Swedish Transport Agency replies that traffic work means traffic flows, i.e. that there are now more people using the roads than during the pandemic.
We Car owners have previously reported that many of the Swedish road safety targets risk not being reached. A maximum of 133 people may die in road traffic in 2030.
– Together with the relevant authorities, organizations and companies, we must continue the important work of developing different solutions and methods for safer road traffic. Not least, our individual responsibility and behavior in traffic must change, says Jonas Bjelfvenstam.
To another follow-up question about what “behavior in traffic” means, the Swedish Transport Agency replies that it is about changing risky behaviour, for example speeding, surfing the wheel and not keeping a safe distance.
