Lausanne, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – The number of people killed in road accidents in Vaud in 2010 is 40 percent lower than in 2003, show new figures for the canton issued Monday 14 March.
Thirty-six people lost their lives in 2010, compared to 63 in 2003. The main factors remain speed, inattention, refusal to give priority and drunkenness.
One-third of the drivers at fault were between 18 and 29 years old, a percentage disproportionately higher than the number of drivers in that age group.
The number of motorcyclists killed on Vaud roads last year was down from 13 to 8, but authorities say this group remains the most at risk.
Accidents overall fell to 5,206, nearly 100 fewer than in 2009, despite some 15,000 more vehicles registered in Vaud in 2010, a 2.9 percent increase.
The number of cars actually on the road appeared to be stable, according to federal figures.