France records about 3,100 road deaths per year since 2022, after the 2020 pandemic-lockdown record low of 2,780. The French National Interministerial Road Safety Observatory (ONISR) publishes a monthly barometer, detailed by user type and department. This 2026 guide summarises official figures, identifies main causes of mortality and presents the evolution of France's speed-camera fleet.
Official 2025 figures
According to Road Safety Delegation (DSR) data for 2025: 3,192 killed on French roads (-3 % vs 2024), 16,400 seriously injured (>24h hospitalisation), 238,000 minor injuries, 54,400 casualty accidents. 72 % of deaths are men, 28 % women. Average victim age: 43. 18-24 year-olds remain the most affected in proportion to their population share (12 % of deaths for 8 % of population).
Long trend: -80 % in 50 years
In 1972, France recorded 18,034 road deaths. Mandatory seatbelt 1973, 90 and 130 km/h limits 1973, 0.8 g/L alcohol 1978 then 0.5 g/L 1995, automated speed cameras 2003 and points-based licence 1992 have cut mortality by 82 %. The European Vision Zero 2050 target aims for a further halving, ~1,500 deaths/year by 2030.
Main causes of mortality
Four causes dominate French road insecurity per ONISR: excessive or inappropriate speed (31 % of fatal accidents), alcohol (23 %), drugs (13 %, rising), inattention including phone (15 %). These causes often combine: a drunk driver is more often speeding; a distracted driver brakes less effectively. Offences concentrate on weekends (60 % of deaths Friday night to Sunday night) and at night (45 % of deaths for 10 % of traffic).
Mortality by user type
Motorists: 1,620 deaths in 2025 (51 %). Motorcyclists and scooter riders: 730 (23 %), the most accident-prone category per km travelled (×20 vs cars). Pedestrians: 420 (13 %), of whom 60 % are over 65. Cyclists: 240 (7.5 %), rising with cycling's growth. Users of motorised personal mobility devices (e-scooters, self-balancing): 40 (1.3 %), double 3 years ago.
Most accident-prone departments
ONISR publishes a ranking by deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (14.1), Lot (13.4), Lozère (13.1), Gers (12.7), Creuse (12.5) top the list - rural departments with many secondary roads. Paris (1.5), Seine-Saint-Denis (1.9) and Hauts-de-Seine (2.2) bring up the rear thanks to low urban speeds. French Guiana (26) and Mayotte (23) have the highest overseas rates.
2026 speed-camera fleet
France operated about 4,580 speed cameras in April 2026. Fixed speed classics: ~1,900. Discriminating (distinguish HGV and cars): 410. Red-light: 860. Section (average speed): 120. Mobile worksite: 300. Autonomous movable: 500. Unmarked radar cars (driven by private contractors): 450. New-generation urban cameras (multi-offence: speed, safety distance, phone at the wheel): rolling out, 30 installed in 2025, 200 expected by end-2026.
Speed-camera revenue
Cameras generated about €650 M revenue in 2025. 45 % goes to state debt reduction, 30 % to road safety (signs, education), 15 % to local authorities for road upkeep, 10 % to prevention actions. Average fine: €68 for an excess <20 km/h (€135 to €1,500 by severity).
2026 Road Safety priorities
The Interministerial Road Safety Committee (CISR) set 4 priorities for 2026-2028. Fight against drugs: expanded saliva tests and new detection devices (spectrometry). Phone at the wheel: tougher sanctions (possible licence withdrawal from the 2nd offence). Young drivers: reinforced post-licence training. Soft mobility: campaigns and layouts for cyclists and scooters.
How to contribute to road safety
Every driver can contribute to reducing mortality. Respect speed limits (10 km/h less halves fatal-accident risk). Don't drink before driving (apps like Heetch Sam or night shuttles exist in most cities). Use a phone mount, never answer while driving. Keep safety distance (minimum 2 seconds). Adapt driving to conditions (rain, snow, fog, fatigue).
Official sources and tools
ONISR publishes a monthly barometer on securite-routiere.gouv.fr. The BAAC database (Road Casualty Accident Analysis Bulletin) is open data on data.gouv.fr. The government's Radars mobile app signals dangerous zones. The ANTS site lets you track your points-based licence and recorded offences.
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