Skip to main content

Improved Czech road safety

The Czech Republic has seen road safety gains.
By MJ Woof January 6, 2025 Read time: 1 min
The Czech Republic has seen a steady reduction in road crashes and fatalities over the decades - image courtesy of Mike Woof


Major gains in road safety are being seen in the Czech Republic compared with the high number of fatalities in previous decades. In 1969 road deaths in the Czech Republic peaked at 1,758, dropping slowly to 1,473 in 1994. However, for 2023, there were just 455 road deaths in the Czech Republic. 

This mirrors road safety gains seen in most European nations from peaks in road deaths in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The data comes from the Czech Statistical Office. Some of the improvement in road safety derives from vehicles have better braking and safety systems, as well as better occupant protection. Some of the improvement in road safety derives from better quality infrastructure, with gains in guardrail technology, traffic management systems and also lighting for example. Some of the gains also come from the increases in multi lane highway sections, which reduce the risk of high speed head on collisions.

Meanwhile, a survey carried out jointly by the Czech Association of Insurance Companies and the Czech Office of Insurers reveals that there were 14,517 crashes at roundabouts in the Czech Republic between 2010 and 2023. However, 73% of crashes at roundabouts did not result in injuries. By comparison, 65% of crashes at conventional intersections did not result in injuries.
 

 

Related Content

  • Measures needed to increase awareness of cyclists
    May 4, 2012
    The latest official data shows a continuing improvement in road safety statistics in both France and the UK. However the data also reveals worrying trends in accidents concerning vulnerable road users. Department for Transport figures for 2010 have revealed a 17% drop in road fatalities to 1,850. But 111 pedal cyclists died in 2010, compared with 104 in 2009, with cyclist fatalities in capital London of particular concern. The DfT believes that the severe winter weather, lower traffic in general due to th
  • Improving safety for vulnerable road users
    January 2, 2013
    Dutch-style cycle safety for other European nations – Mike Woof writes A recent event held in London during October was aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users. Called Love London go Dutch, the event was intended to highlight some of the experience from Holland in reducing risk rates for vulnerable road users such as cyclists. Similar events were held in other UK cities, while other major European cities such as Paris that are seeing an increase in cycling also have a lot to learn from Dutch exp
  • Research shows young male drivers pose safety risk
    December 18, 2013
    Research from the UK reveals an alarming picture of road safety amongst young male drivers. This data is likely to be replicated in other European drivers as well as further afield. According to the UK’s Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), some 30,850 male drivers aged 17-20 have up to six points on their driving licences. However, only 9,758 female drivers aged 17-20 have up to six points on their licences. Drivers are awarded points for motoring offences in the UK, with more serious offences resulting
  • UK road safety improves for 2024
    March 27, 2025
    Preliminary data shows UK road safety improved for 2024.