The number of road accident victims in Portugal decreased by 10.5% in 2012, in comparison to the previous year.
According to data from the National Road Safety Authority (ANSR), a total of 580 road fatalities were recorded in Portugal in 2012, while there were 2,033 serious injuries and 35,727 minor injuries.
In a report sent to the Algarve Resident, the ANSR informed that in 2012 there were on average two deaths and six serious injury cases a day in Portugal.
A decade ago, in 2003, a total of 1,356 people were killed on Portuguese roads, with the daily average being four deaths and 13 serious injury cases.
In the period 2003-2012, road fatalities decreased by 57% and serious injury cases by 56%.
The ANSR also concluded that the reduction in the number of road victims in 2012 on the previous year has meant a saving for Portugal of around €215 million.
Interesting data in the ANSR report provided a better picture of the road traffic reality of current days. It read: “In the 50s, fewer than 600 road fatalities were registered. However, in those days, there were only around 150,000 passenger and heavy vehicles on the roads. In 2011, insured vehicles in Portugal amounted to more than six million.”
