Embarking on a journey around the globe is a dream for many, offering the opportunity to immerse oneself in diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Yet, amidst the excitement of exploring new destinations are concerns about road safety. Whether navigating bustling city streets, winding mountain roads, or serene countryside lanes, the safety of roads for driving, cycling, and walking is an important consideration. From understanding local traffic norms to taking extra precautions, ensuring safe travel on the world’s roads is essential for a memorable and worry-free adventure.

In this blog, we will delve into fatal vehicle accident data and how it differs in various countries. You can use this knowledge to help guide your next adventure and decide on the safest mode of transportation.

Countries with the Biggest Decline in Fatal Crashes

According to a recent report comparing fatal car accidents among developed countries, some countries are getting safer at a faster rate than others.

The report used data from the International Transport Forum to examine how much fatal traffic accidents have improved since 1991. If you plan to drive while traveling abroad, keep reading to find out which countries have the safest (and most dangerous) roads.

1. Spain

Spain’s fatal accident rate has gone down by 86% – the best decrease out of the 30 developed countries examined.

Spain’s roads are generally considered very safe, ranking 4th out of 27 EU countries with the lowest fatality rates per capita. Spain has made significant progress in reducing road deaths over the past two decades.

Compared to the EU average, Spain has fewer road deaths per million inhabitants, with fatalities steadily decreasing since a peak in 1989.

While the overall trend in Spain is positive, there are still areas for improvement, especially regarding vulnerable road users like cyclists.

2. Lithuania

Lithuania’s fatal accident rate has gone down by 85% since 1991, which is a significant decrease. This country is one of the leading improvers in road safety among IRTAD countries.

The Lithuanian government has a “Vision Zero” program aiming for zero road fatalities by 2050, with a target to halve fatalities by 2030 compared to 2019.

3. Korea

Korea’s fatal accident rate has gone down by 84% since 1991 and is currently on its tenth consecutive year of improvement.

Unfortunately, pedestrians are not as safe. Pedestrians and older adults are more at risk in Korea than in other countries. In 2022, pedestrians accounted for a significant portion (35%) of all road deaths.

Korea’s rapid economic development has led to a fast increase in vehicles on the road, so this is potentially outpacing safety measures. Korea is also known for aggressive driving and lack of turn signal usage, which could be why it doesn’t rank number one.

In an effort to improve safety, the government has implemented stricter policies like lowering blood alcohol content limits and reducing speed limits in urban areas.

4. Portugal

Portugal’s fatal accident rate has gone down by 83% over the past couple of decades. Like Lithuania, Portugal has a “Vision Zero” goal to fully eliminate road fatalities by 2025.

While overall the numbers look promising, there are still a few factors that could be holding Portugal back.

Some studies suggest Portuguese drivers may be less supportive of stricter enforcement for speeding and drunk driving compared to other European countries. Additionally, some rural roads might have poor lighting or uneven surfaces, increasing nighttime driving risks.

5. Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s fatal accident rate has gone down by 82% since the early 1990’s. Compared to the EU average, Luxembourg has a lower number of road deaths per person.

Luxembourg interestingly has a lot of transit traffic from surrounding countries, including large trucks. This can add to the complexity of driving on some roads. While accidents are indeed decreasing, a higher proportion of fatalities involve car occupants compared to other EU countries.

Safe Travels

Now that the good news is out of the way, it’s time for the bad. The country that has had the slowest decline since 1991 is the United States. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the U.S. is more car-centric than other developed countries. Regulations are also stricter in European countries, with America being slow to create safe pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

No matter where you travel, it’s important to be aware of local traffic laws and safety tips for traveling in that country. Every destination has its own rules and its own methods for safe travel.