WESTERN BALKANS/OBSERVING PARTICIPANTS – Comparing to 2023, data show a small but important drop in road traffic deaths across the Western Balkans and observing participants (Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine) in 2024. According to preliminary data, 1,225 people lost their lives in road accidents last year, 36 fewer than in 2023.
This marks a 2.9% decrease in fatalities and signals progress toward a shared goal: cutting road deaths and serious injuries in half by 2030. Still, the numbers reveal uneven progress, with some regional partners and observing participants making clear gains, while others recorded increases.
Four Western Balkan partners recorded fewer fatalities in 2024:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: 12.9% fewer deaths (down from 255 to 222)
- Albania: 8.9% fewer (192 to 175)
- Kosovo*: 8.5% fewer (106 to 97)
- Montenegro: 3.8% fewer (78 to 75)
Meanwhile, North Macedonia and Serbia both saw increases. North Macedonia experienced an 11.8% rise in deaths, from 127 to 142, and Serbia saw a 2.2% increase, from 503 to 514.
In the wider region, the number of fatalities in Georgia and Moldova also rose slightly – up 2.2% combined from 639 to 653.
The Transport Community, working with the European Commission, is helping regional partners and observing participants improve data collection by aligning with the EU’s road accident database (CARE). Serbia is already participating as an observer in this system, and Montenegro joined the EU-standard data model in 2022. These efforts allow for more accurate monitoring and better-targeted safety measures.
A major cause of road deaths in the region remains the human factor – from speeding and drunk driving to lack of seatbelt use. That is why our upcoming road safety initiatives will focus on changing driver behaviour.
To speed up progress, the Transport Community has introduced the Next Generation Road Safety Action Plan (2025–2027). This region-wide strategy aims to:
- Set up national road safety agencies (where they don’t exist yet)
- Improve data systems in line with EU standards
- Invest in safer road infrastructure
- Increase public awareness through campaigns
- Strengthen enforcement of traffic rules
- Protect vulnerable road users, including children, cyclists, and pedestrians
Endorsed by the governments, this plan lays the foundation for long-term improvements across the region.
While fewer lives were lost in 2024, over 1,200 people didn’t make it home. Every number in these statistics is a person—someone’s parent, child, friend. The Transport Community remains committed to working with its partners to make roads safer for everyone. The goal is clear: by 2030, to save thousands of lives that would otherwise be lost on our roads.
To find more details and full statistics, please click here.
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* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.
