Road safety remains one of the most pressing issues in Moldovan society. Despite the efforts of authorities and prevention campaigns, the roads of the Republic of Moldova continue to be the site of hundreds of premature deaths each year. According to official data, over 80% of serious accidents could be avoided if drivers, pedestrians, and authorities adhered to basic safety measures.
The situation in Moldova reflects, in many ways, global trends: excessive speed, alcohol consumption, and negligence behind the wheel are recurring causes of road tragedies. However, local particularities—such as poor infrastructure, insufficient traffic enforcement, and a lack of road safety education in schools—further amplify risks. For example, in 2023, 45% of fatal accidents occurred on single-lane national roads, where dangerous overtaking is common.
In this context, statistical analysis is not just a monitoring exercise but an essential tool for public policy. By identifying critical hotspots and risk factors, authorities can allocate resources more efficiently and save lives. This article examines the latest data, providing a comprehensive perspective on the issue and proposing practical solutions.
According to the National Inspectorate for Public Security, Moldova recorded the following road traffic statistics in 2023:
· 1,976 traffic accidents across the country
· 197 fatalities from road crashes
· 2,285 injuries
Year | Accidents | Fatalities | Injuries |
| 2020 | 2,003 | 245 | 2,265 |
| 2021 | 2,548 | 257 | 2,864 |
| 2022 | 2,294 | 217 | 2,560 |
| 2023 | 1,976 | 197 | 2,285 |
Pedestrians remain one of the most vulnerable groups in road traffic accidents. In 2023, there were 629 pedestrian-involved crashes, resulting in 54 fatalities. Pedestrians accounted for 36% of total road deaths, significantly higher than the global average of 23%.
· Improper road crossing by pedestrians
· Failure of drivers to yield to pedestrians
· Walking on the road or roadside
A significant number of road traffic accidents occur near schools. A closer analysis of crashes in Edineț, Șoldănești, and Ialoveni districts highlights the risks children face while commuting to and from school.
· 181 traffic crashes
· 43 cases involved minors (23.7%)
· 3 fatalities and 19 injuries
· 47 traffic crashes
· 11 cases involved minors (23.4%)
· 11 injuries
· 379 traffic crashes
· 87 cases involved minors (22.9%)
· 6 fatalities and 71 injuries
The statistics presented clearly show that road accidents in Moldova are not inevitable but rather the result of preventable factors. The slight decrease in fatalities in 2023 is an encouraging sign, but progress remains fragile. To solidify this trend, coordinated action is needed on multiple fronts:
Safer Infrastructure: Urgent repairs to deteriorated roads (especially on DN1 and DN2) and the installation of protective barriers in high-risk areas.
Stricter and Consistently Enforced Penalties: License suspensions for drivers under the influence of alcohol or exceeding speed limits by more than 50 km/h.
Ongoing Education: Mandatory road safety programs in schools and mass-media campaigns targeting all age groups.
Community Involvement: Encouraging citizens to report road hazards via mobile apps and collaborate with local police.
The experience of other countries proves that a 50% reduction in fatalities is achievable within 5–10 years (as demonstrated by Poland between 2010–2020). Moldova needs an ambitious national plan, backed by adequate funding and political will. Every life lost on the roads is a tragedy that leaves deep scars on families and communities—but one that can largely be prevented.
