Motorcyclist and pedestrian fatalities rise in France despite road safety efforts, show the provisional results of the 2024 Road Crash Report, released by the French National Interministerial Road Safety Observatory.

3,190 people lost their lives on the roads in 2024, compared to 3,167 in 2023 (+23 fatalities, +0.7%). Interior Minister François-Noël Buffet highlighted that for the second consecutive year, road fatalities remain below 3,200, reflecting ongoing efforts in road safety. However, he stressed the collective responsibility of all road users—drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and scooter riders—to adopt responsible behavior, respect safety regulations, and be vigilant, especially towards the most vulnerable users.

Data

The total number of injuries is estimated at 233,000, a 0.8% decrease compared to 2023, with 16,000 serious injuries, down by 0.6%. Passenger cars accounted for 48% of fatalities and 31% of serious injuries, motorcycles 23% of fatalities and 32% of serious injuries, while vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders, represented 22% of fatalities and 33% of serious injuries. Car occupant fatalities reached 1,535 (+23 deaths), with 4,800 serious injuries (+1%). Motorcyclist deaths increased to 726 (+20), though serious injuries declined to 5,100 (-6%). Pedestrian fatalities rose to 451 (+12), with 2,000 serious injuries (-1%). Cyclist fatalities were stable at 222, with 2,550 serious injuries. E-scooter fatalities remained at 44, but serious injuries rose by 16% to 780.

Trends

Men were significantly more affected by road accidents, accounting for 78% of fatalities, 75% of serious injuries, and 84% of those presumed responsible for fatal accidents. Among 18-24-year-olds, fatalities increased to 531 (+34), though serious injuries fell to 2,800 (-1%). Fatalities among 14-17-year-olds decreased to 92 (-24), with 1,600 serious injuries (-1%). Deaths among the elderly (75+) increased to 527 (+10), with 1,300 serious injuries (+7%). Child fatalities (0-13 years) declined slightly to 47 (-2).

Fatalities increased on rural roads, where 1,928 people died (+51), with 7,600 serious injuries (-1%). Urban road fatalities remained stable at 1,020, with 7,200 serious injuries (-1%). Highway deaths dropped to 242 (-27), though serious injuries increased slightly to 1,100 (+1%).