Romania's Deadly Roads: A Slow Fight for Safety

Romania grapples with improving road safety, an area where it records the highest fatality rate in the EU. In 2024, the country saw 78 traffic deaths per million people, with pedestrians and cyclists being particularly vulnerable.

Recent government actions include defining aggressive driving behaviors in law and increasing penalties, alongside the introduction of speed cameras and automated violation detection systems. While these steps are seen as progress by safety advocates, the pace is considered slow.

Recent data from 2025 indicates a downward trend, with a 13% decrease in deaths and a 4% drop in serious injuries compared to the previous year. However, the European Commission has formally notified Romania about the incomplete implementation of its road safety directive.

Beyond aggressive driving, factors like an aging vehicle fleet, particularly in Bucharest, contribute to both pollution and accidents. The rise of SUVs, while modernizing the fleet, poses new risks due to their size and reduced visibility for drivers, potentially increasing the severity of collisions.

Analysis reveals speeding as the primary cause of fatalities in 2024, while "pedestrian indiscipline" is a major factor in serious injuries. Rural areas face higher risks due to a lack of safe crossings and pavements, with a significant number of deaths occurring on high-speed national roads passing through communities.