In this article, we will take a look at Europe’s 5 Most Dangerous Countries to Drive In. For a detailed overview of trends in bad driving habits, as well as insights into the auto insurance industry on the continent, read our article Europe’s 17 Most Dangerous Countries to Drive In.
5. Portugal
In 2022, the roads of Portugal recorded an increase of 32% where car crashes are concerned. This translated to 42,495 traffic accidents and a total of 135 deaths. In the first four months of 2022 alone, the country had reported no less than 22,000 car accidents, which was 6,000 more than in 2021, and 111 deaths, up by 56 from the year before. In addition, Eurostat revealed that the traffic accident fatality rate recorded in Portugal is higher as compared to the EU average. This occurs despite the country levying heavy fines for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and speeding.
4. Hungary
In 2021, car insurance premiums in Hungary exceeded the overall rate of inflation. The last time the country had seen such a significant increase had been in 2015 when the rates jumped by 30%. An increase in car accidents has contributed to the rising car insurance premiums. This pattern rings true for the simple fact that in the year 2020, Hungary reported 13,800 vehicle accidents, and by 2022, this number shot up to 14,700.3. Latvia
Back in 2020, Latvia reported that 139 people lost their lives due to traffic accidents. Unsurprisingly, the country has recorded the second-highest number of deaths due to car accidents per million inhabitants out of 27 EU countries. Most of the fatalities that were caused by traffic accidents occurred on rural roads in Latvia and involved pedestrians. Lack of infrastructure and smoother roads result in higher risks of road accidents, specifically at night.2. Bulgaria
The Interior Ministry of Bulgaria reported that in the first five months of 2023, more than 180 people lost their lives on account of traffic accidents. In addition to the deaths, 3,149 people received severe injuries. The tally of serious accidents, as reported by the Ministry, stood at 2,370. In the month of May alone, 588 serious accidents occurred, leaving 802 people injured and 50 people dead. Back in 2022, the European Commission published a report which revealed that Bulgaria had the second-highest number of road deaths among all the countries in the European Union.
1. Romania
At the top of the list of countries with the most dangerous drivers in Europe is Romania, especially since in the first eight months of 2022, The General Inspectorate of Romanian Police reported 2,878 accidents. Consequently, these accidents nationally killed 1,029 people and injured 2,258. As per the Inspectorate, 18% of these accidents were a result of pedestrian negligence, and 18% were a result of people speeding over the set limit. All these causes make Romania one of the most dangerous Europe countries to drive in.
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