The National Interministerial Road Safety Observatory (ONISR) publishes annually France's official road safety figures. The 2025 report, released in April 2026, reports 3,260 deaths on French roads, a slight 2.1% increase compared to 2024. 244,000 injuries were recorded, including 16,000 hospitalised more than 24 hours. This report reveals worrying trends in certain user categories and watch points for 2026.
Key 2025 figures
With 3,260 deaths, France remains above the European Union target (under 2,600 deaths by 2030). Serious injuries (hospitalised over 24h) decreased by 1.8% to 16,000. Light injuries, however, rose 3.2%. Most affected regions are Île-de-France (12% of deaths), Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (11%) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (10%).
Europe comparison
France stands in the European average with 47 deaths per million inhabitants, against 27 for Sweden (best in class) and 80 for Romania. Germany (33), Spain (35) and Italy (54) frame the French result. The 2030 target set by Brussels is zero deaths by 2050 (Vision Zero), with intermediate step of minus 50% by 2030.
Main causes
Speed remains the first cause of fatal accidents with 32% of deaths, about 1,045 dead. Alcohol is involved in 23% of deaths (750 dead), drugs in 9% (290 dead), and distraction (phone, screen) in 12% (390 dead). Fatigue and drowsiness are involved in 8% of fatal accidents (260 dead).
Multifactorial
A majority of fatal accidents combine several factors. An alcoholic driver going too fast without seatbelt cumulates three factors. The sum of percentages therefore exceeds 100%. ONISR underlines that 60% of fatal accidents combine at least two aggravating factors.
Speed: detailed analysis
Lowering the limit to 80 km/h on secondary roads, introduced in 2018 and then modulated by departments since 2019, saved about 350 lives per year according to the 2025 CEREMA report. 18 departments maintain 80 km/h, 64 returned to 90 km/h. Mortality is 12% lower in 80 km/h departments. To check current limits, consult the official Sécurité Routière site.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol is involved in 23% of fatal accidents with an average level of 1.8 g/L among concerned drivers (well above the misdemeanour threshold). Drugs concern 9% of deaths, with rising cannabis (66% of cases) and cocaine (22%, rising). Alcohol plus drugs cumulation represents 5% of deaths and constitutes a systematic aggravating circumstance.
Profiles of alcoholic drivers
Men represent 87% of alcoholic drivers involved in fatal accidents. The 25-44 bracket concentrates 51% of cases. Friday evening and Saturday evening cumulate 47% of fatal alcohol-related accidents. The 10pm-6am period represents 38% of alcohol-related deaths over only 8% of traffic.
Age groups at risk
18-24 year-olds represent 17% of deaths for 8% of the fleet, twice their demographic weight. 65 and over represent 28% of deaths (population ageing and physical fragility in shock). 25-44, heavy drivers, are at 30%. Children under 14 are 3% of deaths, mainly pedestrians and passengers.
Motorbikes: overrepresentation
Powered two-wheel users represent 23% of deaths for only 2% of traffic, a 16-fold higher relative risk than cars. Motorbikes cumulate physical vulnerability and risk exposure. Mandatory A2 licence under 24, airbag vest wearing (recommended without being mandatory), and continuous training are identified progress axes.
2026 trends
Sécurité Routière focuses in 2026 on fighting distraction (phone, on-board screens), seniors awareness (mandatory medical visit every 2 years from 70 under debate), and deploying 500 new turret radars. The decree of 10 February 2026 also introduces an aggravating circumstance for offences committed with a level 3 autonomous vehicle malfunction.
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