Summer road trip? Take extra care in these dangerous EU countries

Long distance trains and buses are a cheaper, greener and safer alternative to driving.

Heading off on a long car journey this weekend? Take extra care, as some of Europe’s top holiday hotspots are among the deadliest places in Europe for driving, a new study reveals.
Analysing the latest data from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), e-vignette motorway toll site Vignette Switzerland has identified the countries with the highest road deaths per million inhabitants.
Popular vacation destinations like Croatia, Portugal and Italy are among the top 10.
With 79 per cent more road deaths in 2023 than the EU average, Bulgaria is the most dangerous country in Europe for driving, according to the study. 
The country suffered 526 road deaths last year – almost 82 per million inhabitants.
Outside of the capital Sofia, many travellers opt for car hire to explore the Balkan country. But with an extensive train and bus network – and affordable prices compared with much of Europe – Bulgaria can also be tackled by public transport.
While somewhat slow and no-frills, Bulgaria’s trains are reliable and cheap.
To venture into the Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes mountain ranges, hop on the Rhodope narrow gauge railway line.
Bulgaria isn’t the only European country lagging behind on road safety. It’s closely followed by Romania, which saw a total of 1,545 road deaths in 2023 – amounting to 81 per million inhabitants. This is 78 per cent more road deaths last year than the EU average. 
Romania, too, is well connected by train and bus, with a rail line connecting with international routes including to Bulgaria and Hungary.
In third and fourth place, Serbia and Latvia both had 66 per cent more road deaths than the average. 
Public transport in both Serbia and Latvia is cheap and reliable. A new high-speed train line connecting Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, with Budapest in Hungary is set to be extended to Skopje and Athens in the future.
Holiday hotspots were also among Europe’s most dangerous countries for driving: Croatia came in fifth place with 56 per cent more deaths than average, followed by Portugal with 32 per cent and Greece with 31 per cent.
Italy came in ninth place with a total of 3,094 road deaths in 2023 – or around 54 per million inhabitants. This is 15 per cent more road deaths than the EU average.
Lithuania was in eighth place with 23 per cent and Poland in tenth with 13 per cent.
Across the EU, 20,418 road deaths were recorded in 2023, which amounts to 45.5 per million inhabitants.
Motorways from Germany to Croatia and Slovenia faced havoc last weekend as holiday makers set off for the summer. Another wave of travel is expected across Europe this weekend.
Slovenian traffic safety agency AVP launched a warning campaign to remind drivers to take breaks on longer journeys and to stay hydrated on hot days.  
The Croatian Tourist Board distributed bottles of water and car air fresheners at major toll plazas and ferry ports as a welcome gesture to tourists. 
Driving in Europe also comes with its own unique rules to be aware of. Small children are not allowed in the front seat of the car in many countries while glasses-wearing drivers must carry a second pair of specs in France, Spain and Switzerland.
Be sure to also pay attention to speed limits – not only are they in place for your safety, you’re likely to be chased down with fines for breaking them, even months after your trip.