+4% increase in road deaths in October 2023

This “plus” is certainly the one we like the least and we hate to see when Road Safety statistics are published.

While a 6% decrease in the number of fatalities on French roads has been recorded since the beginning of the year, an increase of 4% was observed in October 2023. Similarly, the figures for fatalities and serious injuries are rising over the last three months (respectively, +2% and +3%).

“40 Million Motorists” therefore wished to relay the warning message from the Interministerial Delegate for Road Safety, reminding that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is responsible for more than 1,000 fatal accidents each year. The association calls for better prevention of risks related to addictive driving, increased roadside checks focused on detecting these substances, and greater severity against dangerous behaviors. A message that we also wish to broadcast.

Road safety awareness campaign on the consequences of drug use on driving

However, support does not mean blank check, and the association also reminds that the widespread reduction of the speed limit to 80 km/h on national and departmental roads in 2018 did not manage to bend the curve of road mortality and save “350 to 400 lives” as claimed at the time by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe. According to the association, this nearly a year past is further proof. “40 Million Motorists” therefore calls on the government to reverse this decision and restore the maximum allowed speed to 90 km/h on all secondary roads (except for temporary reductions decided by local authorities).