About the Trendline Project

The Trendline Project: Where Are We Going Wrong?

Road safety is one of the most critical societal equations that needs solving, not just for our country, but for the entire European Union. For years, we have looked at statistics and asked, "How many people lost their lives?" However, the real question we should be asking is: "What are the root causes behind these crashes?"

Focusing solely on crash numbers is merely dealing with the tip of the iceberg. This analysis, prepared using data collected under the Trendline Project, reveals the "invisible" factors increasing crash risk across Europe. Let's take an X-ray of road safety together, from speeding violations to seat belts, and from alcohol to distraction.

1. Speed: Not Just a Number, The Biggest Risk

Speed is the most fundamental factor that directly increases both the risk of a crash and the severity of the impact. When we look at data across Europe, we see vast gaps between countries regarding compliance with speed limits.

"Failure to comply with speed limits, especially in urban areas, turns not only the driver but also pedestrians, cyclists, and our children into vulnerable targets."

• Motorways: While 94% of drivers in Italy comply with speed limits, this rate drops to 45% in Croatia and 36% in Poland. The fact that the average speed reaches 135 km/h in Poland is a clear indication of how high the crash risk is on motorways.

• Urban Roads (Raising the Alarm!): The most worrying picture is here. In Poland, the compliance rate with urban speed limits is only 23%. A vehicle traveling at an average speed of 59 km/h in the city reduces a pedestrian's chance of survival in a potential crash to almost zero.

2. Seat Belts and Child Seats: Are Those in the Back Safe?

The habit of wearing seat belts in the front seat has largely taken hold. However, we are failing when it comes to the "back seat" and "child safety." In the event of a crash, a passenger in the back seat being thrown through the windshield or crushing the passenger in front is a distinct possibility.

• Back Seat Neglect: In countries like Croatia, Italy, and Lithuania, the rate of wearing seat belts in the back seat is below 30%.

• Child Seats (Present but Dysfunctional): Parents are using child restraint systems (CRS), but they are using them incorrectly.

"In Italy, the rate of correct usage for child seats is only 35%. Using safety equipment incorrectly carries almost the same risk as not using it at all."

3. Two-Wheeled Risks: The Importance of Helmets

• Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs): In almost all European countries, helmet use among motorcycle and moped riders is over 99%. This is a success story of legislation and enforcement. Rates are slightly lower in a few countries, such as Greece (86%) and Bulgaria (94.5%).

4. Mental Threats Behind the Wheel: Alcohol and Phones

"A striking statistic: Commercial vehicle drivers (professional drivers) use mobile phones behind the wheel more frequently than passenger car drivers. It is a major paradox that those who use the road the most are the ones whose attention is most distracted."

Italy and Greece lead the list of the riskiest countries regarding mobile phone use while driving.

• Countries with low speed limit compliance: Widespread violations are observed particularly on rural and urban roads in countries such as Poland, Latvia, and Croatia.

• Countries with low rates of rear seat belt and correct child restraint system usage: This situation poses a serious risk, particularly in Croatia, Italy, and Lithuania.

• Countries where cyclist helmet use is not culturally ingrained: This rate is extremely low in examples such as the Netherlands and Croatia.

• Countries where mobile device use while driving is more prevalent: Italy and Greece carry a higher risk in this regard.

Trendline 2022-2025 - Data collection and analysis of road safety KPIs in Europe