Traffic Accidents Switzerland 2024: 250 Deaths on the Roads
Last year, 250 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in Switzerland and 3,792 people were seriously injured. The number of fatalities thus increased compared to the previous year, while the number of seriously injured persons declined. This is according to the 2024 road traffic accident statistics published by the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA).
The number of fatalities on Swiss roads increased last year.
According to the report 250 people died. This represents an increase of 14 fatalities compared to 2023. By contrast, the number of seriously injured persons decreased, falling from 4’096 to 3’792.
These figures are high, as they were in 2023. With 250 fatalities on Swiss roads, the highest figure since 2015 has been reached (253 fatalities were recorded that year). The number of seriously injured persons in 2024 was the lowest recorded in the past five years. The total number of serious casualties (fatalities and seriously injured) decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Breakdown by road user category
In 2024, 81 car occupants were killed in accidents (2023: 75). The number of seriously injured occupants decreased by 35 persons (from 719 to 684).
47 people were killed in motorcycle accidents (- 3 fatalities), while 1’081 sustained serious injuries (- 6.8%).
An increase was recorded in the number of e-bike riders killed (from 16 to 25 fatalities). The number of seriously injured decreased by 10.4 percent to 533 persons.
In 2024, 20 cyclists were killed, 6 fewer than in the previous year. The number of seriously injured cyclists fell to 633 (- 13.6%).
In 2024, more pedestrians were killed than in 2023 (2024: 48 fatalities, 2023: 42). The number of pedestrians killed at pedestrian crossings declined (2024: 11 fatalities, 2023: 24). The number of seriously injured pedestrians also fell (441 seriously injured, – 7.4%). Wild animals are also at risk in road traffic.
More Accidents Among Young Motorcyclists
Since the reduction of the minimum age for category A1 motorcycles, ASTRA has carefully analyzed accident trends among the 16–17 age group. The analysis shows: between 2021 and 2023, the number of accidents involving 125cc motorcycle riders in this age group more than doubled compared to 2018–2020.
In order to reduce accident figures, ASTRA will examine possible measures with affected interest groups over the coming months. Adjustments to training are conceivable, for example regarding the content or duration of the basic practical training (PGS, a mandatory course for motorcyclists). Implementation will take place within the framework of an ongoing project to revise the PGS. The consultation process required for this is planned for 2027.
