Road deaths in Greece have fallen sharply since 2019, according to new European Union data, marking a turnaround after years of slow progress. The figures show a reduction of about 24 percent compared with pre-pandemic levels, driven largely by stronger enforcement and new traffic rules, even though the country still ranks among the EU’s worst performers.
In 2024, Greece recorded 64 road fatalities per million residents. That was the third-highest rate in the EU and well above the bloc’s average of 45. The longer-term picture, however, shows improvement.
Compared with 2019, fatalities declined by just 3% in 2024. However, early data from 2025 indicate a much steeper drop. During the first ten months of 2025, deaths on Greek roads fell by about 21 percent.
Enforcement and new laws drive decline in road deaths across Greece
Officials and researchers link the recent decline to tougher enforcement and legal reforms. A revised Road Traffic Code took effect in mid-2025, raising fines for serious offenses and focusing on repeat violators.
Authorities also stepped up checks on helmet use and alcohol impairment. Transport officials say these measures changed driver behavior and produced visible safety gains within months.
We’re committed to halving road deaths by 2030.
To achieve this, we are putting forward a set of measures, such as:
🔹Strengthening enforcement of road traffic rules
🔹Addressing new forms of mobility
🔹Prioritising road safety researchMore: https://t.co/9bZzeKfS4A pic.twitter.com/7D7Q4yQmVs
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) February 20, 2026
Despite the progress, Greece continues to face big structural risks. Motorcyclists account for nearly four in 10 road deaths, double the EU average. More than half of fatalities occur on urban roads, where speeding remains common.
Single-vehicle crashes cause a disproportionately high share of deaths, reflecting risky driving and low use of seatbelts and helmets compared with other EU countries.
The national road safety strategy for 2021 to 2030 aims to cut fatalities and serious injuries by half compared with 2019. It also sets specific targets for motorcycle deaths, crashes on islands and motorways, and urban safety. Preliminary data suggest Greece is moving closer to those goals, with serious injuries down by more than 20 percent since 2019.
Infrastructure gains help, but risks and gaps remain
Infrastructure upgrades also play a role. Greece has expanded its motorway network over the past decade, shifting traffic away from dangerous interurban roads. Central barriers installed on major routes reduced head-on collisions, while targeted fixes addressed high-risk sites across regions and cities.
Still, gaps remain. Road safety experts note delays in post-crash care reforms and limited progress in education and public awareness. Funding and coordination challenges continue to slow implementation.
Even with the recent gains, Greece’s road death records remain among the highest in the EU. Sustaining the downward trend will depend on consistent enforcement, full deployment of digital monitoring systems, and faster delivery of long-planned safety measures.