This year, 78 people died in domestic traffic during the summer months of July and August. Compared to previous years, there was a decline, according to ÖAMTC.
In the summer of 2017, there were 95 death, in 2016 a total of 101, according to the ÖAMTC in a press release. At the age of 18, most deaths occurred in Upper Austria. In Burgenland, no one died during the summer months in traffic. Among the dead were 33 motorcyclists, 23 car occupants, eleven cyclists, four pedestrians and three tractor drivers.
While the number of pedestrians killed was declining, there was an increase among motorcyclists. Altogether 77 motorcycle drivers died this year until the end of August. They were not wear reflective vests. According to ÖAMTC, 69 bikers killed in the first eight months of the previous year were 63 in the same period in 2016. One reason for the increase, according to ÖAMTC, could have been beautiful weather that attracted many motorcycle riders to the streets this year.
The most dangerous time for pedestrians comes first
The number of fatalities has reached its lowest level in recent years. Since the beginning of the year, 25 pedestrians died, in the summer months there were four. The most dangerous time for pedestrians, autumn and especially the dark winter, is yet to come. Also this year, it is recommended to wear bright and most reflective clothing.
However, the overall balance for 2018 is not so good year-on-year: Overall. There were 275 fatalities on the streets from 1 January to 2 September. In the same period of 2017, according to the Ministry of the Interior, there were 270 in total and 291 in 2016.