A total of 11 pedestrians and 11 cyclists died in traffic accidents on Finnish roads from January to June this year, according to preliminary data released by Statistics Finland.
This figure is down on the same period last year, when 15 pedestrians and 21 cyclists were killed, and marks a sharp decline in the number of deaths over the past 15 years.
In 2005 for example, 45 pedestrians and almost the same number of cyclists died on Finnish roads.
Finland’s new Road Traffic Act, which came into force on 1 June, aims to increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists by reserving more separate lanes for 'light' traffic. This includes the introduction of a "bike street", on which the speed of traffic is determined by cyclists.
The act also contained a stipulation that all road users are obliged to anticipate the actions of others, and must react to situations in order to avoid collisions.
Increased recklessness
However, despite the reduction in accidents, there has been an increased recklessness on Finnish roads, especially after the lifting of restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
Police said they have noted a spike in speeding and other aggravated traffic offences, following recent reports of several fatalities and serious injuries in traffic accidents.
In June, a total of 19 people were killed in all road traffic accidents, including car drivers and passengers. Last year the corresponding death toll was 24.
There were also 458 injuries last month, which is 46 fewer than in June 2019.
However, nothing precise can as yet be deduced from the traffic accidents which occurred in the first half of 2020, as official investigations into the fatal accidents will not be completed until the end of next year.