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Helsinki has marked a significant milestone by completing a full year without any traffic fatalities, a remarkable achievement confirmed by city and police officials. The last recorded fatal accident occurred in early July 2024 in the Kontula district. This unprecedented stretch of safe driving has drawn attention to the various factors contributing to improved road safety in the Finnish capital.
One of the key elements behind this success is the reduction of speed limits. Currently, over half of Helsinki’s streets have a speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour, a dramatic change from the 50 kilometers per hour limit that was common fifty years ago. Earlier this summer, the city further reduced speed limits around schools to enhance safety for children as they return to class.
In addition to speed regulation, Helsinki has invested significantly in better street design. This includes enhanced pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, improved crosswalk protections, and safer intersection layouts. The collaboration between city officials and traffic police has strengthened enforcement measures, supported by an expanding network of surveillance cameras and automated enforcement systems.
Public transport in Helsinki also plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on cars, thereby decreasing the incidence of serious accidents. This is further supplemented by advances in vehicle safety technology, contributing to a safer transportation environment for all users.
The city has seen a notable decline in injury-causing accidents as well, with 277 such incidents reported over the past year. This figure is a significant decrease compared to the late 1980s, when nearly 1,000 injury-causing accidents were routine, alongside up to 30 traffic deaths annually.
Helsinki’s current traffic safety strategy, which spans from 2022 to 2026, emphasizes the protection of vulnerable road users, including children, pedestrians, and cyclists. The strategy employs data-driven methods to plan safer crosswalks, enhance intersections, and monitor traffic patterns effectively.
The city faces new challenges, such as the rise of electric scooters, which have gained popularity in recent years. However, solutions to ensure safety for all types of road users have been implemented.
Helsinki’s success aligns with the European Union’s “Vision Zero” policy, aiming for zero traffic deaths by 2050. This ambitious goal influences daily decision-making in the city, with a focus on assessing the long-term impacts of traffic policies and initiatives.
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