Vienna in a traffic fatality emergency: eight deaths in six months!

Vienna in a traffic fatality emergency: eight deaths in six months!

Since the beginning of 2025, Vienna has already suffered eight traffic deaths. This represents an increase of one death compared to the first half of 2024, when seven people died in traffic. What is particularly alarming is that six of this year's traffic fatalities were pedestrians, including four elderly people, who are often particularly vulnerable in city traffic. This sad result makes it clear that there is still something wrong with road safety. According to a report on MyDistrict The mobility organization VCÖ appeals to the city to urgently implement measures for a transport system suitable for seniors.

In the overall context, the situation in Austria has also worsened. Nationwide, the number of traffic fatalities rose by 24 to a total of 162 in the first half of 2025, as >MeinBezirk< further reports. In a comparison of federal states, Vienna is in a good position with the third lowest number of traffic deaths, but if you look at Lower Austria, you can see that the most traffic deaths were recorded there - a whopping 54 people lost their lives there. VCÖ expert Katharina Jaschinsky emphasizes that measures are absolutely needed to increase road safety, especially for pedestrians and older people.

Urgent need for action

The number of traffic accidents and associated injuries has risen very alarmingly in recent years. Loud Destatis Statistics are indispensable for the development of measures in areas such as legislation, traffic education and road construction. Findings about the causes of accidents and their distribution are important in order to be able to develop targeted safety strategies.

Pedestrian safety is becoming a particular focus. The President of the German Road Safety Council, Manfred Wirsch, has pointed out that the number of pedestrian deaths and injuries has increased worldwide in recent years. He therefore calls for more thorough consideration of this group in transport policy. In various places in Germany, work is being done on pedestrian traffic strategies that could also serve as a model for Vienna.

Suggestions for improving road safety

• Verkehrsberuhigung in Wohnvierteln
• Reduktion des Autoverkehrs in der Innenstadt
• Einführung von maximalem Tempo 30
• Längere Grünphasen und kürzere Rotphasen bei Fußgängerampeln

For the VCÖ, these proposals are not just words on a paper; They are necessary steps to increase road safety and significantly reduce the number of road deaths. The hot summer months in particular require increased attention as many people suffer from a lack of sleep, which can affect concentration. Responsible handling of the traffic situation is therefore more important than ever.

So it's clear: To increase road safety, a combination of awareness, legislative measures and infrastructure improvements is crucial. The time to act is now - every accident, every injury is too much.