Summer road trips promise freedom, scenery and easy cross-border travel, but the latest Europe news on road safety is a sharp reminder that not every journey is equally safe. New figures show that several countries in eastern and southern Europe remain among the most dangerous places to drive, making route planning just as important as packing your bags.
A recent study cited by Euronews, based on road fatality data compiled by Vignette Switzerland, ranks Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania as the deadliest countries for driving in Europe. The findings are especially relevant for travellers scanning ireland news and wider irish news coverage for summer travel updates, as more Irish holidaymakers opt for self-drive breaks across the continent.
Europe News: The Deadliest Countries for Driving
According to the study, Serbia recorded 74 road deaths per million people, putting it far above the EU average and leaving it at the top of the ranking for a second straight year. Bulgaria followed with 71 deaths per million, while Romania registered 68.
Those figures underline a significant safety gap across Europe. While many travellers associate danger with mountain roads or heavy tourist traffic, the broader issue is that road safety standards, enforcement and infrastructure still vary sharply from country to country.
Top countries with the highest road death rates
- Serbia – 74 deaths per million inhabitants
- Bulgaria – 71 deaths per million
- Romania – 68 deaths per million
Several well-known holiday destinations also appeared in the top 10, including Portugal, Greece, Italy and France. That makes this story important not only in Europe news terms, but also for families planning summer driving holidays.
Read more: latest Ireland breaking travel and road safety updates and best Irish news coverage on Europe holiday travel.
The Safest Countries on European Roads
At the other end of the table, Nordic countries continue to set the standard. Norway and Sweden were tied as the safest countries in the ranking, each with just 19 road deaths per million inhabitants. That makes them nearly four times safer than Serbia by this measure.
The contrast highlights how stronger infrastructure, consistent enforcement, vehicle safety standards and public awareness can significantly reduce fatalities. For readers following ireland news and transport policy debates, these countries often serve as benchmarks for best practice.
Which Countries Have Improved the Most?
Not every trend in the latest Europe news is negative. Some countries have made substantial long-term progress in reducing road deaths over the past decade.
Biggest improvements in road safety
- Lithuania – down 43%
- Latvia – down 37%
- Bulgaria – down 36%
- Greece – down 35%
- Hungary – down 30%
Even among higher-risk countries, these declines suggest that policy changes and targeted safety measures can deliver meaningful results over time.
Explore more: luxury Europe travel insights for Irish travellers and top Ireland travel news and continental driving advice.
Where Progress Has Slowed
Some popular tourist destinations have seen only limited improvement. Portugal has reduced road deaths by just 1% since 2015, while France has managed a 6% decline over the same period. These slower gains suggest that mature road systems are not automatically the safest, especially during peak holiday periods when traffic volumes surge.
What Drivers Should Know Before a European Road Trip
For anyone setting out this summer, experts recommend a few essential precautions:
- Check local driving laws before crossing a border
- Plan routes carefully, especially in unfamiliar regions
- Allow extra time in high-traffic tourist areas
- Stay alert to different speed limits, toll rules and road signage
- Avoid fatigue by taking regular breaks
The key takeaway from this Europe news report is simple: a scenic road trip can still carry serious risks if drivers underestimate local conditions. For readers tracking irish news, ireland news and European travel updates, understanding where roads are safest could make all the difference between a memorable holiday and a dangerous one.
FAQs
Which country is the deadliest for driving in Europe?
Serbia ranks first, with 74 road deaths per million inhabitants according to the study referenced in this Europe news report.
Which countries are the safest to drive in?
Norway and Sweden are the safest, each recording 19 road deaths per million people.
Are popular holiday destinations among the riskiest?
Yes. Portugal, Greece, Italy and France were all listed among the top 10 deadliest countries for driving in Europe.
