Austria has recorded 130 road fatalities in the first half of 2024, the lowest number since records began in 1961.

Interior Ministry statistics reveal Lower Austria with the highest fatalities at 30, followed by Styria at 25, Upper Austria at 24, Salzburg at 14, and Tyrol at 11. Carinthia saw nine deaths, Vienna seven, Vorarlberg six, and Burgenland two.

“There’s only one acceptable number of traffic fatalities, and that’s zero,” said Katharina Jaschinsky, expert at the Austrian motoring club VCÖ. “We must strive to come as close as possible to this goal. These 130 deaths serve as a stark reminder of the need for further traffic safety measures.”

The Austrian Automobile, Motorbike and Touring Club (ÖAMTC) identifies 1972 as Austria’s deadliest year for road safety, at 2,948 fatalities.

Distraction and speeding remain leading causes of accidents. From July 1, new road traffic regulations aim to streamline the enforcement of 30 km/h speed limits by local councils and municipalities.

Photo: APA/dpa