Photo: Janus Orlov
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A total of 194 people lost their lives in 184 fatal road accidents in Finland in 2024, according to preliminary data from accident investigation boards. The number of accidents was one less than in the previous year, while the number of fatalities remained unchanged.
Fatal collisions between motor vehicles reached a record low of 59, marking the lowest figure in over two decades.
The number of fatal accidents caused by drivers aged 45–64 fell by seven compared to 2023, with a total of 32 accidents. The decline was mainly due to a drop in head-on collisions, which fell by eight cases.
“This age group shows a clear positive trend. Comparing the average figures from 2010–2014 to those from 2020–2024, fatal motor vehicle accidents caused by middle-aged drivers have decreased by 33%,” said Salla Salenius, a senior specialist at the Finnish Crash Data Institute (OTI).
For drivers aged 25–44, the number of fatal accidents increased slightly in 2024 but remained lower than in 2020–2022. Meanwhile, drivers over the age of 64 were involved in 41 fatal accidents, a figure that has remained stable over the past four years.
Among drivers under 25, the number of fatal accidents followed typical patterns, with 32 cases spread evenly across the months.
For younger road users, however, 2024 was worse than the previous year. Seven pedestrians under 25 were killed, along with three cyclists and two people using light electric vehicles.
“Our national traffic safety strategy must continue to be implemented to ensure that no one has to die or suffer serious injuries in traffic,” said Kalle Parkkari, director of traffic safety at OTI.
Of the fatal motor vehicle accidents recorded in 2024, more than half—81 cases—were single-vehicle crashes. Collisions between vehicles accounted for 59 cases, a significant decrease from 2020, when 89 such incidents were reported.
“Although the overall number of accidents did not change significantly, it is notable that for the second year in a row, fatal single-vehicle crashes outnumbered vehicle-on-vehicle collisions,” Salenius said.
Fatal accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists totalled 39 in 2024. Of these, 18 involved pedestrians and 21 involved cyclists. Four fatalities were recorded among users of light electric vehicles, while one person using a horse-drawn vehicle was also killed.
Regionally, the most notable increases in accidents were seen in South Savo and Kymenlaakso, where both regions recorded five more fatal crashes and five more deaths compared to the previous year.
The preliminary data is based on initial findings from accident investigation boards. A detailed analysis of the causes and circumstances of fatal accidents in 2024 will be published at the turn of 2025–2026.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
