Where are the safest roads in the world?

Iceland Leads the Way in Road Safety: A Global Perspective

Road safety has become an increasingly important issue as the number of vehicles on the road continues to grow. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.35 million people are killed in road traffic accidents each year. This equates to more than 3,700 people dying every day as a result of road crashes.

However, there are some countries that are bucking this trend and making significant progress in improving road safety. Iceland stands out as a global leader in this area, with a remarkably low fatality rate of just 2.1 deaths per 100,000 citizens. This is significantly lower than the global average of 18.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

There are a number of factors that contribute to Iceland’s excellent road safety record. These include:

• Strict traffic laws: Iceland has some of the strictest traffic laws in the world. For example, the speed limit on most roads is just 50 km/h (31 mph).
• Thorough driver education: All drivers in Iceland must complete a comprehensive driver education program before they can obtain a license. This program includes both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
• Safe road design: Iceland’s roads are designed to be as safe as possible. This includes features such as wide shoulders, good visibility, and well-maintained road surfaces.
• Enforcement of traffic laws: Iceland’s police force is very active in enforcing traffic laws. This includes regular speed traps and checkpoints.

As a result of these factors, Iceland has one of the safest road systems in the world. This is a testament to the country’s commitment to improving road safety and protecting its citizens.

Other countries that have made significant progress in improving road safety include Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden. These countries all have fatality rates of less than 3 deaths per 100,000 citizens. They have achieved this through a combination of strict traffic laws, thorough driver education, and safe road design.

The United States, on the other hand, has a much higher fatality rate than Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden. In 2020, there were 42,915 traffic deaths in the United States. This equates to a fatality rate of 13.1 deaths per 100,000 people.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the United States’ higher fatality rate. These include:

• Lax traffic laws: The United States has some of the most lax traffic laws in the developed world. For example, the speed limit on many highways is 70 mph (113 km/h).
• Inadequate driver education: Driver education requirements in the United States vary from state to state. However, many states have very weak requirements.
• Unsafe road design: Many roads in the United States are not designed to be safe for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes features such as narrow shoulders, poor visibility, and poorly maintained road surfaces.
• Lax enforcement of traffic laws: Police enforcement of traffic laws in the United States is often lax. This includes a lack of speed traps and checkpoints.

The United States can learn a lot from countries like Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Sweden when it comes to road safety. By adopting stricter traffic laws, improving driver education, and designing safer roads, the United States can significantly reduce the number of traffic deaths and injuries.