Summary
Switzerland recorded a decline in road traffic fatalities in 2025, but an increase in seriously injured persons. With 214 deaths (-36 compared to 2024) and 3,935 seriously injured (+143), the picture of road safety is mixed. Particularly concerning is the development among young motorcyclists under 18 years of age, where serious accidents increased significantly.
Persons
- Federal Roads Office (ASTRA)
Topics
- Road safety Switzerland
- Road traffic accidents 2025
- Young motorcyclists
- Accident causes by road user type
Clarus Lead
Switzerland's 2025 road traffic balance sheet shows a paradoxical trend: while the number of deaths fell by 36 persons, the number of seriously injured rose by 143. The Federal Roads Office (ASTRA) warns that continued major efforts are required to improve road safety. A particular focus is on the growing danger to 15- and 17-year-old motorcyclists, where 2025 saw eleven deaths and 154 seriously injured registered – an increase since the lowering of the minimum age for category A1.
Detailed Summary
The total number of persons killed or seriously injured in 2025 was 4,149 people. In a multi-year comparison, there is no clear trend: following the increase in 2024, the number of deaths did decline, but continues to move within the range of previous years. For seriously injured persons, values have stagnated at similar levels for several years.
The causes of accidents differ significantly depending on road user type. For passenger cars – where the lowest value since 1992 was achieved with 59 deaths – right-of-way violations, inattention, and driving errors were prominent. For motorcycles (49 deaths), speed and inattention were dominant. Bicycles and e-bikes showed a sharp increase in seriously injured persons (+38 and +53 respectively), with distraction playing the main role. For pedestrians (39 deaths), primarily their own behavior led to accidents.
ASTRA is intensively analyzing developments among young motorcyclists and developing countermeasures. Adjustments to practical basic training (PGS) are being discussed, as well as a possible increase in the minimum age to 18 years. The Federal Council is expected to submit the proposals for consultation in 2027.
Key Statements
- 214 deaths in 2025 (−36 compared to 2024); 3,935 seriously injured (+143)
- Passenger cars reach the lowest death toll since data collection began in 1992 (59 deaths)
- E-bikes and bicycles show strong increases in seriously injured persons (+53 and +38)
- Motorcyclists under 18 years: 11 deaths and 154 seriously injured – trend rising
- ASTRA develops measures to increase road safety in this age group
Critical Questions
Data Quality: How complete is the recording of police-reported accidents? Are minor accidents systematically under-recorded in a way that could distort the overall picture?
Causality in Seriously Injured: Why does the number of seriously injured rise despite falling deaths? Is this due to improved medical care or actually more accidents with injury consequences?
Minimum Age A1 Motorcycles: What empirical data shows that raising the minimum age to 18 years reduces accident rates among adolescents? Are there comparative studies from other countries?
Accident Cause Attribution: For e-bikes and bicycles, "inattention" is cited as the main cause – how is this measured and documented? How reliable are third-party statements from accident participants?
Implementation Risks: What side effects could raising the minimum age have (e.g., illegal riding, shift to other vehicle types)?
Measure Evaluation: How will future PGS measures be evaluated? What success criteria are defined?
Source Index
Primary Source: Road Traffic Accidents 2025: fewer deaths, more seriously injured – news.admin.ch, 19 March 2026
Verification Status: ✓ 19.03.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 19.03.2026