North Macedonia records over 35 percent fewer road deaths in the first eight months of 2026

In the first eight months of 2026, road accidents in North Macedonia claimed 62 lives, compared with 96 deaths recorded during the same period last year. Although the toll remains troubling, the figures show a drop of more than 35 percent in road deaths.

The statistics were released ahead of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Observed on the third Sunday of November, it falls on November 15 this year. The day draws attention to the tragedies caused by road accidents and the need for measures to make roads safer.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs attributes the improvement to the implementation of the “Safe City” system. According to the ministry, checks that were previously carried out from time to time have been replaced by more continuous and predictable monitoring of vehicle speeds.

The ministry says systematic speed monitoring is an important tool for preventing collisions and reducing deaths. However, the published statistics do not establish how much of the decline is directly attributable to the new monitoring system.

The initiative to dedicate a day to remembering road accident victims was launched in 1993 by RoadPeace, a British organization that supports victims. It was officially recognized as an international day of remembrance in 2005 by a decision of the United Nations General Assembly.

The United Nations aims to halve the number of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Achieving that goal, however, remains a serious challenge for many countries, including those in the region.

The decline in road deaths in North Macedonia is positive, but the loss of 62 lives in just eight months shows that road safety continues to require particular attention from citizens and institutions. Beyond the statistical improvement, the goal remains for fewer and fewer families to experience the loss of loved ones in road accidents.