Road safety concerns rise as summer months prove deadliest for traffic-related fatalities

The statistics for June 2024 are yet to be announced, but in May the number of traffic-related deaths was 29, the same as June of the previous year. June, in turn, was the deadliest month for traffic accidents last year.

Summer months are typically marked by accidents on the roads. One reason is simply that more people are driving, says Jeanette Hindenburg. “Many believe that most accidents occur in the winter, but we drive less when it’s dark and cold.”

The Midsummer holiday is usually especially accident-prone as many people travel for various celebrations. Alcohol can also be a factor. This Midsummer, three people died in accidents on roads across the country.

But the danger does not end with Midsummer. With the holiday season in full swing, many are exploring and touring new places, or driving to their summer cottages or visiting relatives.

This leads to more congestion on the roads, and people’s driving behaviors may also change in line with the holiday mood. “People behave strangely. They might get a feeling and drive a little faster after having sunbathed and swam or lose patience when eager to get away on vacation,” says Jeanette Hindenburg.

Her best advice for safe driving is simple. “Plan your trip and do not rush, or things can go wrong.”

In related news, five people have died in traffic accidents in the past week, with several young people involved in severe accidents, and 17 were injured after an accident on the E6 north of Malmö.