According to a recent study by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the Hellenic Institute of Road Safety, “Panos Mylonas,” conducted under the “Driving Change: Towards Safe and Sustainable Mobility” program, Greek motorists have among the lowest seatbelt and helmet use, raising serious concerns.
The findings highlight the urgent need for effective road safety measures.
Only 54% of drivers and front-seat passengers use seatbelts, the study found, while compliance drops to just 21% among those sitting in the back. Among motorcyclists, 75% of drivers wear helmets, compared with only 46% of passengers.
Negligence and its deadly toll
The research, based on observations of more than 16,000 vehicles across Greece, painted a troubling picture of driver and passenger behavior. Mobile phone use while driving was recorded at 13%, with even higher rates among drivers traveling alone.
Greece remains at the top of negative road safety rankings in the European Union, continuing to lead in motorcycle-related deaths. Road crashes remain the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5 to 29, making them one of the country’s most devastating public health challenges.
Call for a national strategy and new technologies
Vassiliki Danelli-Mylonas, president of the Institute, urged authorities, local governments, schools, businesses, and civil society to join forces in a comprehensive national action plan. She called for stronger enforcement, the use of modern technologies, and systematic monitoring and evaluation.
“There must be respect for local particularities and targeted partnerships with municipalities, businesses, and other stakeholders to strengthen road safety. But there must also be continuous monitoring, assessment, and publication of safety indicators so that valuable conclusions can be drawn,” she said.
Experts warn that without stricter enforcement, wider adoption of technology, and sustained awareness campaigns, Greece will struggle to reverse its grim road safety record and make its roads safer for all.
