Will you survive in summer traffic?

The theme of the seasonal enforcement of the police is alcohol and drugs and driving health for July. The theme has been chosen for July because the number of intoxicated drivers on the road is highest during the summer. Additionally, the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries caused by drunk driving is also the highest in the summer, especially in July. In addition, comprehensive driving health control is also carried out during control of driving under the influence.

When looking at the number of reported traffic fatalities during this summer period (between 1 June and 18 July 2023), a total of 30 people have died in traffic in Finland. This is six more than last year, when the number of traffic deaths remained at a record low level for the whole year. Otherwise, the number of fatalities sadly remains typical when comparing to the years preceding 2022 (2021: 33; 2020: 30; 2019: 27 people).

By contrast, the number of intoxicated drivers involved in fatal crashes has decreased. There were four drivers under the influence of alcohol involved in crashes in June and July this year, compared to eight last year and ten in 2021. In 2021, other substances or a combination of alcohol and other substances were contributing factors in traffic crashes for nine people, and in 2022, the corresponding number was six. In the current year, only drivers intoxicated with alcohol have been identified in fatal crashes. Approximately ten fatalities from this and last year are still unknown regarding the substance involved.

In July 2023, the police have not been reported of any deaths of young people under 25 years old. In June, there was only one death. Last year, a total of eight young people died in traffic crashes during the summer months with June being the worst time. In 2021, six young people died in traffic during the same period.

The majority of crashes have occurred outside urban areas, as in previous summers. About 70% of the crashes occurred outside urban areas, and half of all deaths occurred in areas with speed limits between 60 and 80 km/h. The highest number of fatalities, seven in total, in traffic occurred in the area of operation of the Central Finland Police Department. Five fatalities occurred in the areas of Häme and Southwestern Finland Police Departments. Typically, crashes have involved vehicles veering off the road (approximately 37%). However, there have been fewer fatalities in such crashes compared to previous years.

The number of traffic fatalities caused by intoxication has unfortunately been high in previous years, during the summer months in particular. Now, it seems that, fortunately, it is not the case this summer. However, the number of traffic fatalities is still too high. It is up to you to decide if you will survive the summer traffic alive!