Road fatalities decrease in France

Road safety data for September 2026 in France reveals a mixed picture, with a 5% decrease in road fatalities compared to the same month in 2025, but a significant rise in the number of seriously injured.

Fewer deaths in metropolitan France

In metropolitan France, 268 people died in road accidents in September 2026, down from 283 in September 2025. This decline continues a positive trend, with a 12% drop in deaths recorded in the third quarter of 2026.

Overall reduction since January 2026

Since January 2026, the national toll stands at 2,542 lives lost, a 3% decrease compared to the first nine months of 2025. Deputy minister Marie-Pierre Vedrenne acknowledged three consecutive months of decline but cautioned against complacency, stating it is "neither a victory, nor a reason to relax our efforts."

Increase in serious injuries

However, the number of seriously injured people in road accidents rose sharply. In September 2026, 1,685 people were seriously injured in metropolitan France, a 15% increase compared to September 2025.

Rise in injuries among specific groups

For the first nine months of 2026, the number of seriously injured reached 14,089, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The rise in serious injuries was particularly pronounced among certain groups: 34% more cyclists, 33% more drivers of motorized personal mobility devices (EDPM), such as electric scooters, and 25% more pedestrians were seriously injured compared to the previous year.

Government response to rising injuries

In response, the government plans to implement mandatory helmet use for electric scooter riders nationwide.

Overseas territories show different trends

In contrast to the situation in metropolitan France, road safety in overseas territories showed a different trend. Road mortality in overseas territories increased by 18% in September 2026, with 20 deaths recorded compared to 17 in September 2025.

Injuries also rise in overseas territories

The number of injured also rose by 16%, reaching 356 victims. However, over a longer period, the situation in overseas territories has improved. For the last three months of 2026, deaths decreased by 10% compared to the same period in 2025.

Long-term improvement in overseas territories

Since the beginning of 2026, 171 deaths have been recorded in overseas territories, a 14% reduction compared to the first nine months of 2025.