The mortality of cyclists has in May, almost quadrupled, while that of drivers of two motorized wheels has almost doubled in three years, going from 50 deaths to 92.
Le Monde
The number of people who died in May on the roads of mainland France jumped 21 % compared to 2019, a reference year before the pandemic – figures published Tuesday, June 21, deemed “very worrying” by road safety. In one month, 293 people died, against 243 in May 2019.
“The figures [of May] are very worrying and call for an awareness on the part of all road users, to reverse this curve, since that has been two months in a row that we see a degradation” , commented David Julliard, assistant of the interministerial delegate for road safety.
In April, 262 people lost their lives, up 11 % compared to 2019 and 29 % compared to 2021. In May, the increase is 36 % compared to the same month last year ( 216), marked by certain travel restrictions due to the health crisis. In May 2022, “trips increased by 10 % on average compared to May 2021 according to CEREMA [Center for Studies and Expertise on Risks, the Environment, Mobility and Planning]”, specifies Road safety.
the mortality of cyclists almost multiplied by four
compared to 2019, the mortality of cyclists, in May, almost quadruple: 22 died, against only six two years earlier, in a context of development of so -called sweet mobility. According to the 2021 report of road accidents, “one in three cyclists kills himself, without shock with another user”, notes David Julliard, for whom this statistics “underlines the importance of prudence measures, and in particular the port of Helmet, highly recommended “, failing to be compulsory for those over 12 years of age. Wearing a helmet is a practice that “progresses but not enough to our taste,” he added.
For its part, the mortality of motorized two-wheelers has almost doubled in three years, going from 50 deaths to 92. Compared to May 2021, the increase is almost similar, of 73 %. “In general, the drivers of motorized two-wheelers represent one dead in five. There, it’s one in three. It is really a strong concern,” deplores Mr. Julliard, who advances an explanation track, even if “We do not yet have the study on causal factors”.
Thus, “the weather was favorable in May”, undoubtedly pushing the drivers to circulate more in two-wheelers. “It is quite common for the weather to be played on the accidentality of two-wheelers. But there is also mostly a deterioration in behavior,” continues the road safety assistant.
Furthermore, the mortality of motorists (130) fell slightly (2 %) in May compared to 2019, but increased by 29 % compared to last year. Regarding segmentation by age groups, 18-24 year olds paid a heavy price, with 51 dead, an increase of 27 % compared to 2019 and 54 % compared to 2021. Finally, 23 people are Dead on the overseas roads, up 21 % compared to 2019 and 64 % compared to 2021.