(L-R) Alain Disiviscour, Ministry of Mobility & Public Works; François Bausch, Deputy PM, Minister for Mobility & Public Works; Paul Meyers, Director of Administration of Technical Investigations; Paul Hammelmann, President of Sécurité Routière asbl; Credit: MMTP

On Thursday 22 June 2023, Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Mobility and Public Works, François Bausch, presented road accident statistics for 2022.

The latest report showed an increase in the number of road fatalities, from 24 deaths in 2021 to 36 in 2022. These fatalities were linked to a total of 35 accidents on Luxembourg's roads. The number of seriously injured victims remained stable while that of of slightly injured individuals increased by 17% over one year.

Luxembourg's Ministry of Mobility and Public Works pointed out that the number of fatal and serious accidents decreased by 15% in 2022 compared to 2013. In general, however, the number of minor injuries resulting from road accidents has increased by 22%.

According to the report, speed remained the main cause of road accidents and showed a slight upward trend. According to statistics, about 25% of serious injuries and 31% of road deaths in 2022 were attributable to excessive speed. The second biggest factor was drink driving: after recording seven fatal alcohol-related accidents in 2021, another fifteen people lost their lives and 36 suffered serious injuries in similar accidents in 2022.

Moreover, dangerous behaviour at the wheel, such as faults towards pedestrians, has had a negative impact on road safety in Luxembourg, thus becoming the third most frequent cause of accidents resulting in serious and fatal injuries.

Statistics showed that collisions between vehicles were predominant. In addition, there has been a slight increase in collisions between vehicles and trees and other fixed obstacles, which has led to a considerable number of serious accidents.

The report also showed that the age of the drivers presumed responsible for fatal and serious accidents in 2022 ranged from eighteen to 64 years old; in 2021, the range was eighteen to 44 years old.

Minister Bausch stressed that much remains to be done in terms of road safety and that it is essential to continue to fight against road insecurity.