Road deaths in France rise 4% in May, authorities report

Road deaths in France rose by 4% in May compared to the same month last year, with 317 people killed, according to figures released by the road safety authority. The increase is a cause for concern, particularly given the rise in fatalities on roads outside of towns and on highways.

The national interministerial road safety observatory (ONISR) reported an additional 19 deaths in mainland France compared to May 2025, representing a 7% increase. While the number of serious injuries remained stable at 1,585, the rise in fatalities has prompted calls for collective reflection.

Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, the minister delegate for citizenship, stated that the May figures, marked by a worrying rise in road deaths and the loss of many young lives, should be a cause for collective concern. She highlighted that excessive speed, alcohol, drug use, and distracted driving continue to be significant dangers on the road.

Fatalities among pedestrians and cyclists saw notable increases, with 41 pedestrian deaths (up 7) and 37 cyclist deaths (up 12). Conversely, deaths among motorcyclists decreased. The data also indicated a rise in fatalities among younger age groups, including those under 18, 18-24, and 25-64, while deaths among those aged 65 and over declined. In overseas territories, road deaths decreased by seven compared to the previous year.