Road safety in 2024: an alarming assessment with an increase in victims among pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, and electric scooter users

The road safety report for the year 2024 reveals a concerning trend, with a noticeable increase in the number of victims involving pedestrians, motorized two-wheelers, and electric scooter users. While mortality remains generally stable, these vulnerable user categories reflect an increasing challenge for Road Prevention and all actors involved in Sustainable Mobility. Indeed, despite the ongoing efforts of authorities and associations such as the Road Users Association, figures highlighted by the Interministerial National Road Safety Observatory (ONISR) show a risk of exceeding the targets set for Safe Roads and Safety First. These figures call for a strengthening of corrective and awareness measures, particularly concerning the behavior of Vigilant Drivers and the promotion of Secure Scooters.

Furthermore, the rapid development of alternative modes of transportation and the growing mixing of users on the road force determined action to ensure Road Protection for all, especially the Safety of Pedestrians, who are too often exposed to serious or even fatal accidents. This situation highlights major issues related to infrastructure adaptation, regulation, and collective responsibility of drivers and pedestrians. In this context, analyzing numerical data, the deep causes of this increase, and possible responses appears essential to move towards viable and sustainable solutions.

Alarming Increase in Mortality Among Pedestrians and Vulnerable Users in 2024

The increasing trend of victims among pedestrians in 2024, with a 4% increase in fatalities, underscores a persistent fragility that requires sustained attention. Most of these accidents occur in urban areas, often related to lapses in road attention or inadequate infrastructure. Road Safety particularly points to the role of driver behaviors, which do not always respect speed limits or pedestrian crossings, thus generating heightened insecurity for the most vulnerable users.

Pedestrians are even more exposed as the mix of usages on public roads has intensified, now including motorized two-wheelers, bikes, and motorized personal transportation devices (EDPM), notably electric scooters. This complex coexistence often makes it difficult to anticipate trajectories and maintain sufficient vigilance. Awareness campaigns promoted by the Road Users Association seek to foster increased consciousness of these risks, emphasizing the importance of establishing a culture of mutual respect between pedestrians and drivers.

A contributing factor noted is the non-compliance with basic rules by some users, for example, not wearing visibility equipment or reckless use of cell phones while walking. A more detailed analysis shows that this increase may also be linked to inadequate layout, such as insufficient protected pedestrian crossings, the absence of calming measures, or poor lighting.

The table below illustrates the distribution of deaths among pedestrians in urban and suburban areas between 2023 and 2024:

Year 📅	Deaths in urban areas 🚶‍♂️	Deaths in suburban areas 🚶‍♀️	Yearly variation 📊
2023	435	98	–
2024	456	104	+4 %

To address this situation, urgent measures must be reinforced, including improving pedestrian infrastructure and better training for Vigilant Drivers. The link between rigorous vehicle technical control, including for two-wheelers, and accident prevention is also a key lever, as highlighted by recent news related to motorcycle technical control.

• 🌟 Reorganization of pedestrian zones and crossings
• 🌟 Strengthening awareness and training campaigns
• 🌟 Encouragement of respectful driving through appropriate sanctions
• 🌟 Promotion of good visibility practices, especially for pedestrians

Rising Accidents Involving Two-Wheel Motorized Drivers: A Major Challenge for Road Safety

Motorized two-wheel drivers form a particularly exposed category, with mortality increasing by 2% in 2024, totaling 726 fatalities recorded. Although this increase is moderate in overall numbers, it signals an alarming trend considering the growing number of users in large cities and on departmental roads. The lack of physical protection for two-wheelers, combined with frequently high speeds and insecure infrastructure, largely explains this vulnerability.

It is noteworthy that among deaths involving motorized two-wheelers, one-quarter concern users not wearing a helmet, highlighting a serious breach of basic Road Safety rules. This situation also underscores the crucial role of initial and ongoing driver training, as well as the urgent need for onboard technologies or appropriate EDPM devices to safeguard their safety.

To better understand the causes, it is useful to examine the main circumstances of accidents:

• ⚠️ Inattention and risky behavior, especially speeding
• ⚠️ Inadequate infrastructure for two-wheel motorized travel
• ⚠️ Lack of protective equipment (helmet, gloves, reinforced clothing)
• ⚠️ Non-compliance with traffic rules by other users

A recent study emphasizes that implementing measures such as mandatory regular checks, discussed in motorcycle technical control, as well as targeted prevention campaigns, can reverse this trend. Simultaneously, the responsibility of Vigilant Drivers on the road is fundamental to eradicate dangerous behaviors.

Contributing factors 🛵	Percentage of accidents in 2024 📈
Not wearing a helmet	26 %
Excessive speed	38 %
Inadequate infrastructure	20 %
Visibility issues	16 %

A combination of increased road controls and heightened user awareness is essential. Additionally, promoting specific insurance for these drivers provides an important safety net: to learn more about adaptable coverage, a review of solutions offered by insurance related to vehicles two-wheelers and their specificities is available.

The Rise of Electric Scooters and the Increase in Accidents: A New Challenge for Prevention

The rapid democratization of motorized personal transportation devices (EDPM), led by electric scooters, poses a new major challenge to Road Safety. In 2024, fatalities related to these vehicles increased by 2%, reaching a total of 45 victims. This phenomenon is explained by the multiplication of users, often poorly trained and sometimes irresponsible in respecting traffic regulations.

This type of mobility, aligned with a Sustainable Mobility approach, must be coupled with a rigorous safety approach to limit the risks of serious accidents. The National Union of Road Safety Associations emphasizes the need to establish stricter standards for these vehicles and their use, a necessary condition for their integration as Responsible Vehicles.

The main causes of accidents involve:

• 🛴 Use without protective equipment, especially helmet
• 🛴 Riding on sidewalks in conflict with pedestrians
• 🛴 Excessive speed and recklessness in pedestrian zones
• 🛴 Lack of visibility and inadequate signaling

It is vital that regulations evolve to establish Safe Scooters, incorporating requirements for lighting, speed control, and PPE. Moreover, raising awareness among Vigilant Drivers using these devices should be promoted based on a comprehensive prevention plan.

EDPM Accident Causes ⚠️	Incidence 🔢
Lack of helmet	45 %
Riding on sidewalks	30 %
Excessive speed	15 %
Lack of visibility	10 %

The implementation of innovative solutions, especially digital ones, makes it possible to envision a future where these devices are better integrated into the urban landscape, with stricter regulations. Additionally, the importance of appropriate insurance for EDPM users is highlighted, similar to the widely promoted coverage for other vehicles, which plays an important role in risk management, as explained in this article about auto insurance and its benefits.

Human and Behavioral Factors at the Heart of Increasing Road Victims

Despite technological and regulatory progress, human factors remain the primary explanation for road accidents. A significant share of incidents involving pedestrians, two-wheelers, and scooters result from inattention, recklessness, or non-compliance with rules. Recent studies highlight the growing need for collective awareness and increased responsibility, both on Vigilant Drivers and Pedestrians in Safety.

In this regard, promoting a Safety First Culture is accompanied by daily vigilance regarding potential dangers. Attention to distractions such as mobile phones is a major warning point. Additionally, fatigue and alcohol remain widely involved factors, although campaigns and controls are gradually reducing their impact.

• 📵 Reducing phone use while driving or walking
• 🍃 Promoting responsible and sustainable mobility
• 🛡️ Raising awareness of dangers associated with excessive speed
• 💡 Enhanced awareness of safety equipment use

Authorities and associations advocate for regular user engagement in prevention through various educational or regulatory means, including decisive involvement of road safety professionals, such as accident analysts, a key profile for Road Safety responsible for precisely analyzing these accidents.

Major Human Cause ⚠️	Estimated Impact on 2024 Accidents 📉
Distraction (mobile, conversation)	32 %
Alcohol and substances	18 %
Excessive speed	28 %
Non-compliance with pedestrian rules	22 %

Impact of Road Infrastructures on the Safety of Vulnerable Users

A major issue often identified relates to the quality and relevance of road infrastructures in the face of user diversity. In 2024, roads must not only accommodate heavy vehicles and cars but also ensure the safety of Pedestrians in Safety, cyclists, and users of soft modes of transport such as electric scooters. This challenge requires a realistic diagnosis of structural deficiencies.

The coexistence of different usages leads to numerous conflicts and potential accidents. Adapting regulations, with protected cycle lanes, meeting zones, and dedicated spaces for EDPM, are essential improvements. Respecting principles of sustainable mobility demands the implementation of Safe Roads accessible to all.

For example, certain rural areas remain particularly dangerous due to narrow, poorly lit roads, where high-speed vehicle crossing with pedestrians or cyclists is too frequent. Additionally, regular maintenance of pavement is vital to limit falls and slips of two-wheelers and EDPM.

• 🚧 Creation of multi-use safe lanes
• 🚧 Improved lighting on high-risk routes
• 🚧 Signage adapted to vulnerable users
• 🚧 Regular maintenance of pavements

Type of Infrastructure 🛤	Situation 2023	Situation 2024	Necessary improvement ✔️
Protected cycle lanes	58 % covered	62 % covered	Yes
Protected pedestrian zones	47 %	50 %	Yes
Enhanced public lighting	42 %	45 %	Yes
Dedicated EDPM lanes	15 %	19 %	Yes

The Role of Prevention Campaigns in Reducing Accidents

Prevention campaigns remain an essential tool to reverse the accident trend by targeting risky behaviors. The importance of combining communication, education, and sanctions is already well established. In this context, the Road Users Association continues to bring its expertise to public authorities and mobilize citizens around the values of respect and vigilance.

These notably progressive campaigns rely on clear messages and modern technology to reach a broad audience, especially via social media and digital platforms. The link with concrete actions, such as enhanced control of EDPM or awareness campaigns on helmet use, offers promising avenues for development.

The following list highlights the main axes of these campaigns:

• 📢 Raising awareness of the specific risks for vulnerable users
• 📢 Promoting the use of protective equipment
• 📢 Providing legal obligation information and sanctions
• 📢 Road education from a young age

An essential complement is also collaboration with the insurance sector, which plays a significant preventive role. In this regard, understanding the insurance arrangements suited for each vehicle type is a key educational tool to develop, as shown in the article on insurance for horses and equids Bashkir 2025.

Responsibilization of Drivers and the Concept of Responsible Vehicle for a Safer Road

The role of the driver remains crucial in the dynamics of road safety. The modern concept of Responsible Vehicle goes beyond mere compliance with traffic laws, incorporating an ethical and collective approach. In 2024, driver responsabilization, whether behind the wheel of a car, a two-wheeler, or an EDPM, is essential to ensure harmonious coexistence and the preservation of lives.

The expected commitments include:

• 🚦 Strict adherence to traffic rules
• 🚦 Anticipation and courtesy towards vulnerable users
• 🚦 Rigorous monitoring of technical and regulatory controls
• 🚦 Ongoing awareness through training and feedback

Driver exemplarity is fundamental to establishing a climate of trust conducive to Safe Roads. Furthermore, collaboration with insurance professionals and road safety sector players, as mentioned in the point about auto insurance, provides an additional guarantee within the Safety First objective. A comprehensive analysis of the issues related to hit-and-run incidents, which remain a persistent infraction on roads, is also fundamental: all about this infraction.

Responsible Driver Commitments ✔️	Concrete Actions ⚙️
Respect for speed limits	Regular controls and appropriate sanctions
Proper signaling and increased vigilance	Continual training and awareness campaigns
Vehicle maintenance for safety	Mandatory periodic technical inspection
Considering others’ vulnerability	Training in adapted driving and mutual respect

Future Perspectives and Corrective Measures for Safe and Sustainable Mobility

Based on the 2024 report, it is clear that combating the increase in road victims requires enhanced mobilization and strategic evolution. Future prospects involve an integrated policy combining technological innovation, increased awareness, and infrastructure adaptation to new usages. Highlighting these issues by public authorities and civil society aims to ensure a satisfactory balance between mobility development and safety.

In the short term, several corrective measures are being considered:

• 🔧 Increased deployment of intelligent speed control devices
• 🔧 Expansion of calming zones and securing shared roads
• 🔧 Strengthening training and regular skills audits
• 🔧 Encouragement of adoption of Secure Scooters and eco-friendly vehicles

The debate on suitable insurance for new modes of mobility remains relevant, especially to guarantee effective coverage for vulnerable users. It is important to recall the key contributions of insurance in risk management, as discussed in this article on auto insurance.

Collaboration among public, private, and non-profit sectors, notably the Road Users Association, is already underway to imagine Safe Roads adapted to the contemporary challenges of sustainable mobility.

FAQ on Road Safety in 2024: Figures, Causes, and Responsibilities

• ❓ Why are there increasing pedestrian fatalities in 2024?
  This increase results from a combination of factors, including greater coexistence with diverse modes of travel and sometimes inadequate infrastructure, as well as inattentive or dangerous behavior from both drivers and pedestrians themselves.
• ❓ What are the main causes of accidents involving motorized two-wheelers?
  Not wearing a helmet, speeding, insufficient infrastructure, and visibility issues are among the most frequently recorded causes in accidents involving this type of user.
• ❓ How can the safety of electric scooter users be improved?
  It is essential to establish strict regulations for the use of these devices, promote helmet wearing, improve user training, and adapt urban infrastructures to ensure safe zones.
• ❓ What role does road prevention play in reducing accidents?
  Prevention relies on raising public awareness of risks, user training, implementing targeted campaigns, and collaborating with associations and professionals in safety to promote responsible driving.
• ❓ Why is driver responsabilization crucial?
  Because it helps establish a climate of trust on the roads, necessary for harmonious coexistence among users, by ensuring rule compliance and considering pedestrian, cyclist, and EDPM user vulnerability.