New Road Safety Strategy: What’s Changing on Greek Roads?

Despite significant improvements over the past decades, Greece still faces concerning road safety statistics. While deaths from traffic accidents have decreased due to improved infrastructure, vehicle technology, and better driving behavior, the country continues to report one of the highest fatality rates in the European Union. In response, the government is shifting from piecemeal interventions to a unified, cohesive strategy based on five pillars: safer infrastructure, enhanced public transportation, stricter traffic regulations, leveraging technology for monitoring, and strengthening driver education. The aim is to fundamentally transform road culture in Greece and reduce fatalities. Presented at an event marking 20 years of the Panos Mylonas Road Safety Institute, Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis emphasized that ‘a good driver isn’t the one who arrives first but the one who arrives safely.’ Greece has made progress, with fatalities dropping from 2,182 in 1998 to 627 in 2023. However, the rise to 665 in 2024 highlights the need for sustained effort. The national goal is zero fatalities by 2050, achieved through infrastructure projects, stricter laws, and public education. Key issues include low helmet and seatbelt usage and high mobile phone use while driving. Investments in new highways and public transport systems, along with updated traffic codes and digital enforcement tools, aim to create safer roads. Ultimately, fostering a culture of safe driving through educational initiatives will be critical.