Road safety: a strategic issue for European companies
Driver safety is crucial in Europe. Companies play a key role in reducing accidents and costs and protecting their teams.
A major challenge for European companies to better understand driver safety
Every year, 1.19 million people lose their lives in road accidents around the world. In Europe, despite having some of the safest roads in the world, progress in reducing fatalities and serious injuries is stagnating, with only a 3% drop in fatalities in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Achieving the European Union's ambitious target of halving road fatalities by 2030 requires enhanced action, strict enforcement of the rules and strong commitment from governments and businesses.
Luxembourg's record
In 2024, Luxembourg recorded a notable decrease in the number of road deaths, with 18 deaths compared to 26 in 2023, a decrease of 31%. Serious injuries also decreased by 11%, totalling 308 people.
Despite a slight increase of 3% in personal accidents, excessive speed and alcohol remain the main causes of serious and fatal accidents. Pedestrians and cyclists remain particularly vulnerable.
To strengthen security, the country launched a national plan in 2025 focused on prevention, awareness and repression, in line with the "Vision Zero" objective.
Source: Ministry of Mobility and Public Works
The main causes of fatal accidents
The major causes of fatal accidents remain unchanged: speeding, alcohol, distracted driving (especially by phone) and not wearing a seat belt or helmet. In addition, drowsiness and driving under the influence of drugs also contribute to accidents.
These human factors account for more than 90% of the causes of accidents, highlighting the limitations of technological advances in vehicles alone.
The crucial role of companies and the safety of professional drivers
Half of the vehicles on the road in Europe are registered in the name of companies. Accidents involving company cars have a significant impact: beyond the financial costs, they affect people, the morale of teams and the reputation of companies. In addition, drivers of corporate vehicles have an approximately 50% higher collision rate than private drivers, highlighting the need for employers to take road safety seriously.
The socio-economic cost of road accidents is estimated at around €180 billion every year, double the annual EU budget, not including disability-related costs.
Technological advances at the service of security
The automotive industry is investing heavily in safety technologies. Since July 2024, new European rules have made several advanced devices mandatory in all new vehicles, such as intelligent speed assistance, reverse assists, drowsiness detection and data recorders ("black boxes").
Telematics technologies allow fleet managers to monitor driver behaviour in real time, detect risky habits such as harsh braking or excessive speed and intervene quickly.
The use of dashcams, distraction detection and real-time reporting facilitate coaching and continuous improvement.
These schemes are divided into two categories:
- Passive safety : airbags, belts, crumple zones to protect occupants in the event of an impact.
- Active Safety : systems to prevent accidents, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and distraction alerts.
Conclusion
Road safety remains a major challenge in Europe despite technological progress. Companies have a key role to play in improving the safety of their professional drivers. By adopting integrated programmes like Ayvens', they can reduce accidents, save lives, lower costs and strengthen their image.
The road to zero preventable accidents is an ambitious but achievable goal that benefits everyone: employees, businesses and communities.
