New traffic law and enforcement reduce fatal road accidents by up to 30% over six years
Intensified traffic police inspections combined with the implementation of the new Traffic Code (KOK), which came into force in autumn 2025, have led to a significant decline in road accidents across the country—particularly fatal ones, according to official data.
Authorities report that, using 2019 as a reference year, the number of people killed in traffic accidents has steadily decreased. In the first 11 months of 2025, fatalities from road accidents fell by approximately 31% compared with 2019. While 701 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2019, the figure dropped to 492 during the January–November period of 2025.
Officials identify driving under the influence of alcohol and mobile phone use while driving as two of the leading causes of traffic accidents. With increased inspections and tougher penalties, a decline in such violations has been observed.
During New Year’s Eve checks, traffic police conducted alcohol tests on around 7,000 drivers. A total of 87 drivers were found to be over the legal alcohol limit, including one who was significantly above the threshold. These drivers were fined, and their driving licenses were suspended for one month.
2019–2025 DATA
According to data from the Hellenic Police, 665 fatal traffic accidents occurred in 2019, resulting in 701 deaths. By 2023, the number of fatal accidents fell to 579, with 614 fatalities—representing a decrease of 12.93%. In 2024, authorities recorded 623 fatal accidents and 662 deaths.
In the first 11 months of 2025, following the introduction of the new Traffic Code, 460 fatal traffic accidents were reported, claiming 492 lives.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Attica recorded the highest number of fatal traffic accidents, followed by Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, the Peloponnese, Crete, and Central Greece. While some regions showed year-to-year fluctuations, the Ionian Islands and Central Greece recorded higher figures in the first 11 months of 2025 compared with 2019.
MONTHLY TRENDS
Statistics show that fatal traffic accidents increase during the summer months and decline in winter. July and August are consistently the deadliest months, while January, February, and March record comparatively fewer fatal accidents.
AI-ASSISTED TRAFFIC CONTROLS
As part of a pilot program, artificial intelligence–supported traffic cameras have been deployed in Attica. The system can identify license plates and vehicle details and detect violations such as failure to wear seat belts, mobile phone use while driving, speeding, and red-light violations.
Authorities said that thousands of violations have already been identified during the pilot phase, while evaluation and training processes for the system are ongoing.
