Helsinki just went a full year without a single traffic death

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Helsinki has recorded zero traffic-related fatalities in the past year, a milestone achievement for an EU capital
• The city credits reduced speed limits, strategic urban design, and strict enforcement policies as key contributors to this outcome
• Officials cite “Vision Zero” as a guiding framework aimed at eliminating all serious road injuries and deaths

🔭 The context: While road deaths declined by 3% across the EU in 2024, accidents in urban areas remain a persistent concern
• In contrast to Helsinki, cities like Berlin and Brussels reported 55 and 9 road fatalities, respectively, over the same period
• Helsinki, home to under 700,000 residents but part of a metro area with 1.5 million commuters, has pursued long-term, data-driven reforms since 2019, when it first reported no pedestrian or cyclist fatalities

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Helsinki’s achievement illustrates how sustainable urban planning and decarbonized transport investments can enhance both safety and environmental outcomes
• By prioritizing public transit, cycling, and walkability over car dependency, the city reduced emissions while making streets safer
• The model supports broader EU goals for climate resilience, urban liveability, and transport decarbonization

⏭️ What's next: Brussels is watching closely as the European Commission pushes for member states to meet the EU’s 2018 target of halving road fatalities by 2030
• Helsinki’s example may influence future urban mobility frameworks, funding allocations, and legislative initiatives at the EU level
• Continued investment in smart infrastructure, enforcement technology, and behavior-focused road design is expected across forward-leaning cities

💬 One quote: “It’s a lot of factors … but speed limits are one of the most important,” — Roni Utriainen, traffic engineer, City of Helsinki

📈 One stat: Traffic-related injuries in Helsinki dropped from 727 in 2003 to just 14 in 2023 — a 98% decrease over two decades

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