There have been no fatal traffic accidents in Iceland so far this year, Vísir reports. It has been nearly 80 years since the country has reported no fatal traffic accidents this late in the year. An expert says better driver education and higher rates of seatbelt use are among the factors working together to reduce accident mortality in the country.
Over the last decade, the lowest number of traffic-related deaths occurred in 2014 (a total of four) and the highest were 18 deaths in 2016 and 2018. Almost four months into 2019, and no fatal traffic accidents have been reported in the country whatsoever, a remarkable occurence that has not taken place since 1940.
Ágúst Mogensen, an accident prevention specialist, says many factors have led to this positive outcome. A government road safety plan has made efforts to reduce drivers’ mobile phone use, improve driver education, and improve car safety. Ágúst also believes fine hikes have had a positive impact on driver safety. “The average speed has decreased on the roads and seatbelt use has increased.”
