Sardinia Sees Alarming Increase in Road Fatalities: Urgent Demand for Enhanced Safety Reforms Sardinia is experiencing a concerning surge in road fatalities, highlighting the critical need for immediate and effective safety reforms.
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In recent years, Sardinia has experienced a troubling trend in road safety, marked by a significant increase in fatalities. The year 2025 recorded a total of 113 deaths from road incidents, representing a 2.73% rise compared to the previous year.
This statistic indicates a concerning shift, as it reflects a 15% increase over the past decade, diverging from broader efforts to reduce road mortality rates across Europe.
The situation is further underscored by the latest report from the Sardo Observatory on Road Safety, which aggregates data from various entities, including the University of Cagliari and the Regional Public Works Department.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of road safety, juxtaposing local statistics with national and European trends.
Understanding the alarming trends in road fatalities
In examining the broader context of road safety, it is essential to highlight the disparity between European and Italian statistics.
While the European Union reports a gradual decline in road fatalities of approximately 2.2% from 2025, Italy’s decline is marginal at just 0.3%. Alarmingly, Sardinia’s mortality rate stands at 3.15 per 100,000 inhabitants, nearly double the national average of 1.74, placing the island in a precarious position regarding road safety.
Breakdown of fatal incidents
A closer examination of the data indicates that the majority of fatal incidents in 2025 occurred on state roads, provincial roads, and urban areas, with 39, 37, and 26 fatalities respectively. Notably, the SS 125 and SS 389 have been identified as the most dangerous, each accounting for five deaths. The SS 125 has emerged as the deadliest road over the past decade, claiming 49 lives since 2013. The profile of victims reveals a concerning trend, with 75% of fatalities involving males, primarily within the age bracket of 25 to 59 years.
Calls for action and safety measures
In light of these alarming statistics, experts are advocating for a significant overhaul in road safety policies. Gianfranco Fancello, a professor at the University of Cagliari and the scientific director of the Sardo Observatory on Road Safety, emphasizes the urgent need for a robust response to address the rising trend of fatalities on Sardinian roads. He advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes stricter enforcement of road safety regulations and enhanced public education on safe driving practices.
Government initiatives and funding
The regional government has acknowledged the critical situation and allocated over 100 million euros for the improvement of provincial road safety. This funding is directed towards various initiatives, including upgrading existing road infrastructures and focusing on high-risk areas. Additionally, 60 million euros have been earmarked for municipal road safety enhancements, which include the construction of raised pedestrian crossings and the development of roundabouts. These measures aim to create safer environments for both drivers and pedestrians.
While the government’s commitment to improving road safety represents a positive step, experts stress the necessity for immediate action. Implementing effective measures to combat reckless driving behaviors, such as distracted driving due to mobile phone usage and excessive speeding, is crucial. These factors significantly contribute to the rising number of accidents and fatalities.
The situation in Sardinia regarding road safety requires urgent attention and action. Ongoing monitoring and analysis, coupled with targeted government interventions, are essential in reversing the current trend of increasing road fatalities. Through collective efforts, there is hope to enhance road safety and protect the lives of all who travel on Sardinian roads.
