The State Police has tallied up road accidents and infringements for the year just ended. The figures are all on the rise, although the comparison between 2020 and 2021 is not entirely significant. The 2020 data, in fact, was decidedly affected by the mobility restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the balance is quite severe.
In 2021, there were 64,162 road accidents, a 26.7% increase compared to 2020. Fatal accidents amounted to 1,238, and victims to 1,313, also showing an increase from the previous year. This is not solely an Italian problem: "Thousands of lives could be saved in the EU every year," stated Ellen Townsend of the European Transport Safety Council, "if drivers adhered to the existing rules on drunk driving, speeding, the use of seatbelts, and mobile phones. Proper enforcement is of paramount importance."
But let's return to Italy. The numerous road safety awareness campaigns have not yet hit their target. Here too, road accidents and infringements are very often linked to the causes highlighted by the European official. Data certified a 15% increase in infringements related to irresponsible smartphone use as of December 2021, with a 5.8% increase compared to the previous year. Speeding also remains a major risk factor: infringements increased by 7%. The increase in drunk driving cases, however, reached 9%.
However, there is a positive note that we wish to highlight. The Traffic Police report indicates a reduction in the number of people stopped at the wheel under the influence of drugs (-3.5%), as well as the number of suspended or revoked licenses (-5.8%).
We conclude with an exhortation to caution and adherence to rules. Road safety is in our hands!
