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Finland's capital managed to eradicate all fatal road accidents in a complete year

Finnish capital Helsinki has reached a remarkable milestone by surviving an entire year without any traffic accident casualties, as stated by the World Economic Forum, the most recent reported traffic-related fatality took place...

Finland's capital successfully managed no road-related fatalities for an entire year.
Finland's capital successfully managed no road-related fatalities for an entire year.

Finland's capital managed to eradicate all fatal road accidents in a complete year

In the heart of Finland, the capital city of Helsinki has made significant strides in improving traffic safety over the past few years. The city, renowned for its high-quality public transport system, has taken bold steps to enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, making it a model for many developed cities struggling with outdated transport infrastructure.

The journey began in 2022 when the city administration initiated a four-year multifaceted program to improve traffic safety standards. This comprehensive approach has already shown positive results, with Helsinki's traffic safety demonstrating that investments, policy choices, and citizen engagement can indeed reduce risks on the road.

One of the key changes implemented was a decrease in speed limits. More than half of the streets in Helsinki now have a speed limit of 30km/h, down from the previous 50km/h. This reduction, combined with enhanced monitoring for spotting and penalising poor driving, has contributed to a safer environment for all road users.

The city's public transport system, already Europe's highest rated, has been further improved to encourage more people to use public transportation. These improvements have not only prevented fatalities but also reduced injuries, making Helsinki a safer city for its residents and visitors alike.

Helsinki's commitment to traffic safety is evident in its statistics. Traffic injuries in the city have fallen by almost 75% over the past 40 years, and remarkably, Helsinki has completed one year without a single fatal traffic accident. The last traffic accident-related death in Helsinki was reported in July 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city's traffic safety journey.

As we look to the future, Helsinki continues to set an example for cities worldwide, proving that with dedication and the right strategies, it is possible to create a safer, more sustainable urban environment.

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