Most Greeks and visitors to Greece will experience the varying standards and degrees of driving within Greece.  Most Greeks themselves admit to driving their automobiles and motorbikes where only they themselves (Ego or Me) have the right of passage, irrespective of road safety standards and other road users.  According to a recently released Ipsos survey for Vinci Autoroutes Foundation, surveying 12,400 drivers in 11 European countries, a total of 76% of Greek drivers admitted to talking on their phone whilst driving and 84% use smartphone apps during their driving.  For Greece specifically, the Euro-barometer 2023 research found that in recent years Greeks do not just chat on the phone while driving, but participate in videos as well.  Will the following results make you think before you drive? 

The number of people who lose their lives, or are seriously injured, on the road is increasing.  Greece is one of the four worst countries in Europe in terms of road safety, with 635 road traffic deaths per year.  Every month, around 50 people die on the road.

There are five 'killers' on the road:  speed - mobile phone - seat belt - helmet - alcohol/drugs 

• 92% of Greek drivers believe that all other drivers are dangerous.
• 86% have been frightened by the aggressive behavior of other drivers.
• 80% of drivers admit to exceeding the speed limit.
• 76% admit to talking on the phone whilst driving.
• 63% admitted they get into arguments with other drivers.
• 60% of Greek drivers do not keep a safe distance from other cars in front of them.
• 60% honk their car-horns without good reason.
• 44% of drivers do not wear a seatbelt during their travel.
• 26% of drivers confirm they have fallen asleep at the wheel, even for a few seconds.
• 24% of Greek drivers have got out of their car to argue.
• 20% admitted they were involved or almost had an accident due to sleepiness.
• 15% have caused a road accident because of excessive alcohol consumption.
• 10% of drivers said they have driven after smoking cannabis or used other drugs.
•   9% of Greek drivers admitted that they drive under the influence of alcohol . . . drunk!

Road fatalities (635) in Greece in 2022 presented a slight increase (2%) compared to 2021 figures, according to the provisional ELSTAT data. This slight increase is mainly attributed to the returning back to normal traffic from the pandemic period.  During the last decade, Greece presented an impresive road safety improvement in the European Union, with a decrease of 28% in road fatalities since 2013 and a 48% decrease of serious injuries.  According to the 2022 data, there were 11,199 road accidents, resulting in 635 fatalities and 636 serious injuries.  Road safety is improving in Greece, but every driver has to take responsibility.  We all tend to think that we are perfect drivers, but it could just be you and the way that you drive that may be part of the problem.