Cost of road accidents estimated at 12 bn euro a year

The number of deaths resulting from car crashes in Greece reaches 1,600 while over 20,000 were injured last year. On a daily basis, five people die, five are left quadriplegic, ten are left paraplegic, 60 are injured leading to tens of thousands of euros in damages.

It is estimated that 40% of the cost in public health comes from car accidents. “Car accidents cost 12 billion euros annually. In 50 years, this means 600 billion euros are covered in blood and thrown on the street” said road safety campaigner Iaveris.

Most of the accidents happen in residential areas, with speed limits of 45 km/hour.  Most of the victims that die on the streets are under 30 years of age and according to recent data, 60 to 70 percent of the victims are aged between 15 to 29.

These accidents have mainly been attributed to the condition of the roads  and reckless driving.

The accidents data place Greece 28th in terms of number of road safety and last in the European Union.