cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/3819931

Helsinki has not recorded a single traffic fatality in the past 12 months, city and police officials confirmed this week.

The city’s most recent fatal accident occurred in early July 2024 on Keinulaudantie in the city’s Kontula district.

Authorities are calling the situation exceptional.

“A lot of factors contributed to this, but speed limits are one of the most important,” said Roni Utriainen, a traffic engineer with the city’s Urban Environment Division.

…

According to Utriainen, more than half of Helsinki’s streets now have a speed limit of 30 km/h. Fifty years ago, that proportion featured 50 km/h limits.

Earlier this summer, Helsinki decided to lower speed limits near schools to 30 km/h, a measure that is set to take effect as the academic year begins.

…

      • randomname@scribe.disroot.orgOPEnglish
        3·
        8 days ago

        Yeah, sorry, that’s right.

        Here we go: Road traffic death rate (per 100 000 population) according to WHO:

        • Africa: 19
        • Eastern Mediterranean: 16
        • South-East Asia: 16
        • Western Pacific: 15
        • Americas: 14
        • Europe: 7

        According to the WHO, a road traffic injuries report says:

        • Approximately 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.
        • Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.
        • 92% of the world’s fatalities on the roads occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries have around 60% of the world’s vehicles.
        • More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
        • Road traffic crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product.