Denmark wins European road safety award

Denmark has received a European award for road safety following decades of work to reduce traffic deaths and injuries, national broadcaster DR reports.

The prize was awarded by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) in Brussels, recognising Denmark’s efforts in promoting seatbelt use and helmet wearing.

Jakob Bøving Arendt, director of the Danish Council for Safe Traffic, accepted the award on behalf of the country, crediting a joint effort by multiple organisations, including police, municipalities, and the Danish Road Directorate.

Despite the recognition, authorities say more work is needed. The Road Directorate plans 18 road projects starting in 2027 along Route 26 between Sallingsund and Hanstholm, including a new two-way cycle path between Ræhr and Tved. Local residents currently describe the stretch as difficult for drivers and dangerous for cyclists.

“Right now, you have to slow down and go around cyclists. It would be easier if you didn’t have to. And for cyclists, it would be safer so they don’t end up under a truck one day,” said Bettina Rysgaard, chair of the Ræhr Residents’ Association.

While Sweden and Norway have fewer traffic fatalities, Denmark won the award due to a sharp decline in deaths in recent years, with numbers dropping by a third. If the trend continues, Denmark could meet its target of 90 traffic deaths annually, Arendt said.

A political agreement has allocated 700 million kroner to improve road safety by 2035 under the Infrastructure Plan 2035.