Road Safety has released its latest figures for February 2019, with 253 road deaths, an increase of 17.1%.
The number of road deaths on the roads of France has jumped, according to figures published by Road Safety with 253 people having died on the roads in February 2019, against 216 in February 2018, an increase of 17.1% .
After a “historic” drop in road deaths in 2018, the year 2019 began with two consecutive months of increases.
For Road Safety, the degradation of many radars since the beginning of the yellow vests movement has a direct responsibility in this increase.
“After the increase in road mortality observed in January 2019 (+ 3.9%), the effect of the sharp degradation of fixed speed cameras is amplified and results in a relaxation of behavior on all networks.”
In early January, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner had reported “nearly 60% of the radar neutralized, attacked, destroyed.”
Very high mortality of cyclists
The supervisory body also notes the rise in other indicators. The number of personal injuries was 4,091 compared to 3,345 in February 2018, an increase of 746 accidents (+ 22.3%). In addition, 5,021 people were injured compared to 4,132 in February 2018, an increase of 889 (+ 21.5%).
“The sharp increase in road deaths recorded last month is mainly for pedestrians, cyclists, young people aged 18-24 and seniors aged 65 and over,” says Road Safety, which is particularly concerned to see ” the highest cyclist mortality for a month in February in the last ten years, with 18 estimated deaths “.
“The road mortality increases particularly on the off-road network excluding highways,” said the statement.
This negative balance comes after an amendment by the Senate paving the way for the return of the 90 km/h limit on secondary roads .
