19th Annual Road Safety Performance Index (PIN Report)
The EU has set a target to halve the number of road deaths by 2030, based on their level in 2019. Most European countries have similar national targets.
There were 20,017 deaths on EU roads in 2024, a collective decrease of 2% compared to 2023, falling far short of the 6.1% annual reduction needed to achieve the EU target of a 50% reduction by 2030.
21 of the 32 countries monitored by ETSC’s Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) Programme saw a decline in road deaths in 2024 compared to 2023, eight countries experienced increases.
From 2019 to 2024, the EU27 achieved a 12% reduction in road deaths. To remain on track towards the 2030 target, a 27% reduction would have been required by 2024. Leading countries included Lithuania and Poland (–35% each), and Slovenia (–33%). Conversely, Switzerland (+34%), Estonia (+33%), and Israel (+24%) saw increases.
Only Lithuania halved road deaths over the last decade. Sixteen other countries achieved reductions above the EU average of 17%, including Belgium and Norway. However, seven countries experienced increases, such as Israel and the Netherlands.
The EU27 avoided 23,802 road deaths between 2015 and 2024 compared to if the 2014 baseline level had continued. Yet, it missed the opportunity to save an additional 49,590 lives by not sustaining the targeted 6.7% average annual reduction. The estimated monetary value of lives saved in 2024 is €10.5 billion; over the full
period, €60 billion. Meeting the target would have yielded benefits valued at €184 billion.
Legislative updates
Three key EU legislative efforts have recently advanced:
• Driving Licence Directive: Now includes a two year novice period, updated medical checks, and improved rules on alcohol interlocks.
• Driving Disqualification Directive: Extends bans across EU countries, with exceptions.
• Weights & Dimensions Directive: Ongoing discussion on cross-border use of long and heavy lorries.
A revised Roadworthiness Package was published in April 2025, introducing mandatory annual tests for older vehicles and extending inspections to all motorcycles >125cc.
Upcoming policy milestones
The EU will review its Road Safety Policy Framework in 2025. This aligns with preparations for the next EU budget (2028–2034) and a revision of the General Safety Regulation due in 2027.
The 2025 ETSC PIN Award goes to…
Norway is the winner of the 2025 ETSC Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) Award for outstanding progress in road safety.