Travelers planning to vacation in Europe in 2024 are likely to rent a car to get around and tour EU nations. How safe are vacationers when driving on vacation? Read on to find out which countries are the most dangerous or safest for drivers, ensuring a safe journey.

Research on most dangerous countries for drivers in Europe

As we now head into March, many travelers are excited and are planning their vacations in Europe. Many of these excited tourists are planning to rent a car to get around. However, how safe is it to drive in Europe while on vacation?

A new study highlights a critical warning for those planning to drive in Europe. The research was conducted by Vignettesswitzerland.com, while further analysis came from the European Transport Safety Council. Moreover, several countries have been identified as particularly dangerous for drivers, while urging international travelers to proceed with caution while on vacation.

Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria for drivers

From the study, it is revealed that Romania, Serbia and Bulgaria come top in the list of most dangerous countries for drivers, based on the number of road deaths per million inhabitants as follows:

Romania leads with a shocking 85.81 deaths per million in 2022, even though this revealed a 10.26 percent decrease from 2012.

Meanwhile, Serbia follows closely with 82.65 deaths, while Bulgaria, while ranking third, reveals the slowest improvement in road safety, with only a 6.2 percent decline in fatalities since 2012. Moreover, the slow progress in improving road safety has also been highlighted in a study focusing on Bulgaria’s reduction in road deaths.

Which EU countries are safest for drivers?

Meanwhile, the study also revealed the safest countries for drivers in Europe. One of the safest is Norway, with only 21.38 road deaths per million inhabitants in 2022. Second-most safest is Sweden with 21.72 deaths and the UK, with 25.89 deaths per million people.

The results of the research not only showcase the effectiveness of the countries’ road safety measures, they also serve as a benchmark for other EU countries to follow while aiming to improve their road safety performance.

Reminder for drivers visiting Europe

Besides revealing the worst and best European countries for road safety, the new findings are a strong reminder of the necessity of road safety awareness when planning vacations. With such disparities in European road safety, this shows that thorough preparation and caution should be taken when driving in countries with high fatality rates.

Meanwhile, drivers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with local driving regulations, safety practices and road conditions to ensure a safe journey while on vacation.

Moreover, as the travel industry gets ready for another busy year, the results of the study highlight the critical need for heightened road safety awareness among travelers. While the attractions of European nations remain undiminished, the huge differences between driving conditions across Europe call for cautious and informed planning.

By revealing the most dangerous and safest countries for drivers, the study also pressures countries lagging in road safety to increase their efforts, potentially saving many lives.