Road deaths in Belgium fell to historic low in 2024
The number of road deaths in Belgium fell by 6 per cent last year compared to 2023, to 455 fatalities. This is the lowest number recorded in the official figures, which date back to the early 1970s. The data was published on Wednesday by traffic institute Vias, based on police reports of people who died within 30 days of a traffic accident.
The decline was seen across nearly all categories of road users, with the exception of motorcyclists and e-scooter users. Motorcyclist fatalities rose from 49 to 55, while deaths involving e-scooters increased from 2 to 4.
Flanders recorded a 5 per cent decrease in deaths, down to 248. Wallonia saw a sharper drop of 9 per cent, down to 197. In Brussels, however, fatalities doubled from five to 10, though this remains significantly lower than the 21 recorded in 2022.
"These figures show a favourable trend," Vias said. "However, we should not become euphoric. During the 2021 States General, the target of a maximum of 320 road deaths by 2030 was set. The new measures announced in the coalition agreement will first have to be implemented to help achieve that target."
"Every traffic fatality is still one too many"
Mobility minister Jean-Luc Crucke also welcomed the progress but urged continued efforts.
"The fact that we will record the lowest number of road deaths ever in 2024 is an important step forward and gives hope," he said. "But every traffic fatality is still one too many. We must maintain and accelerate this positive trend. With the new measures in the coalition agreement, we want to make mobility safer, more sustainable and more humane for everyone on the road."
© PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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