The number of car accidents and road deaths increased significantly in the first month of 2021, according to data from INSTAT.
In January 2021, there were 125 road accidents, an increase of 32 when compared to January 2019. This is a significant increase of 34.4%.
Unfortunately, the number of those killed and injured increased by 35.2%. 165 casualties were reported in January when compared to 122 the previous year. Out of those, 22 people died, five more than in January 2019.
Out of all the accidents that occurred, it was reported that 80% of cases were the fault of the driver. Those most likely to be in an accident were those aged between 25 and 34 years old. Accidents in this age group have increased by 45.8% when compared to the same period last year
Accident hotspots were Tirana, Durres, and Shkoder, followed by Elbasan and Fier.
During 2020, there were 6248 car accidents and 159 fatalities in Albania.
Data published by the National Emergency department showed that every day last year there was an average of 106 car accidents on the country’s roads. In addition to this, one person died every other day.
Considering that Albania was on lockdown for several months and the movement of cars was restricted, this number is very high.
In October, the government announced plans to have zero victims of road accidents by 2050. It was announced that police would be asked to focus on apprehending citizens who use the mobile and drive, those who do not wear seat belts, those who abuse alcohol and narcotics, and those who ride bicycles in violation of the rules.
