Police to increase road checks in south-east France due to high death toll
42 people have died in accidents already in 2024, significantly higher than last year. Statistics include many motorcyclists
A number of motorcyclists are among those who have died
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Forty-two deaths due to road traffic accidents have already been recorded in the Alpes-Maritimes department this year, say local authorities.
This is compared to 36 in the same period in 2023.
The grim statistic has led the local authorities to launch a campaign to remind people of the importance of road safety.
Increased police checks on drivers will now also take place.
The campaign has the slogan “We have been telling you for 42 years!” (Cela fait 42 ans qu'on vous le dit!).
This is the amount of time the Délégation à la Sécurité Routière (road safety delegation), which looks to reduce the number of driving accidents in the country, has been in operation.
“The message invites everyone to be aware of the responsibility they bear on the road,” said the local prefecture via a press release about the new slogan.
Motorcyclist death toll is high
In particular, the focus is on motorcyclists, who along with moped riders account for half of the deaths.
“In 70% of fatal accidents involving motorised two-wheelers, the driver alone is involved, and therefore responsible for the accident,” said authorities.
These accidents take place “due to inappropriate behaviour: excessive speed, alcohol and/or drug consumption, use of the telephone, [and on the side of motorcyclists] failure to wear the legally required equipment,” they added.
There have been 2,642 licence suspension orders already issued in the first nine months of the year in the department, compared with 2,789 in all of 2023.
The majority of deaths took place in urban areas (Nice, Grasse, Cannes, etc).
Warnings in place for autumn conditions
Local authorities also highlight the incoming change in weather in the department, saying it can make driving more dangerous.
“Autumn conditions such as the Mediterranean rainstorms… make it more important than ever to be aware of the need to wear motorbike equipment, whether compulsory or not (helmet, gloves, jacket, trousers, closed shoes),” it said.
Read more: Trial allowing motorbikes to ride between lanes extended in France
