Increasing Trend of Road Accidents in Portugal
Recent data from the National Authority for Road Safety (ANSR) reveals that in the first half of the year, Portugal recorded 17,154 accidents involving victims, leading to 214 fatalities, 1,184 serious injuries, and 19,967 minor injuries. This alarming trend is particularly notable when compared to the same period in 2014, indicating a 22% increase in accidents over the last decade, with fatalities rising by 3.4%, serious injuries by 26%, and minor injuries by 18.9%.
Despite a decrease of 19 fatalities (-8.2%) compared to the first six months of the previous year, the ANSR notes a rise in the number of accidents, with 571 additional incidents (+3.4%), 56 more serious injuries (+5.0%), and 692 more minor injuries (+3.6%).
When comparing to 2019, which serves as a reference year for monitoring the reduction of fatalities and serious injuries set by the European Commission and Portugal for 2030, there was a decrease in fatalities and minor injuries by 12 and 119, respectively. However, serious injuries and accidents saw an increase, with 136 more serious injuries (13.0%) and 486 more accidents (2.9%).
This year’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is being observed in Évora, aiming to honor those who have lost their lives or health due to road accidents and to recognize the efforts of emergency teams and health professionals dealing with the aftermath of such incidents.
The event is organized by the Liga de Associações Estrada Viva and Associação GARE, taking place annually on the third Sunday of November as part of the Global Road Safety Action Decade 2021-2030 promoted by the World Health Organization, with the overarching theme of “Remember, Support, Act.”
The ANSR emphasizes the importance of remembering victims, supporting survivors, and taking action to reduce road accidents through the implementation of psychosocial support measures, acknowledgment of victims' rights, and promotion of public health initiatives, all aimed at minimizing the social, economic, and health impacts of road traffic accidents.
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