Road safety remains a major concern in Albania, as new data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) and the State Police reveal that 159 road accidents were recorded in August 2025, leaving 229 people injured or dead. Although the monthly figure is still alarming, authorities highlight a positive trend — from January to August 2025, the number of road accidents fell by 14.7% compared to the same period in 2024.
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| Road accidents, number of deaths and injuries by region of Albania from August 2024 to August 2025. Source: General Directorate of State Police |
A Decline in Numbers, but Not in Risk
According to INSTAT’s preliminary report, Albania continues to see progress in reducing the total number of traffic accidents, thanks in part to stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns. However, experts emphasize that the main cause of road crashes continues to be human error.
“The essence of the problem remains the behavior of vehicle drivers,” the report states. In fact, 91.2% of road accidents during August occurred as a direct result of drivers violating traffic rules, including speeding, reckless overtaking, and distracted driving.
The report also highlights Monday as the most dangerous day of the week, accounting for 18.2% of all accidents. The evening hours between 19:00 and 24:00 proved to be the riskiest period, representing 23.3% of all incidents nationwide.
The Driver Profile: Middle-Aged Men Still at the Highest Risk
When analyzing the age and behavior of drivers involved in road accidents, INSTAT found that the 45–59 age group remains the most exposed, responsible for 25.8% of the total number of crashes. This demographic is particularly active in daily commuting and work-related driving, which may explain its high exposure.
Interestingly, there has been a significant 48.1% decrease in accidents caused by drivers aged 60 and above, suggesting that older drivers may be adopting safer habits or reducing their time on the road.
Younger drivers, particularly those between 18 and 29 years old, continue to feature prominently in police reports related to speeding, alcohol consumption, and loss of vehicle control — all of which remain persistent challenges for traffic authorities.
Tirana and Lezha: The Most Affected Regions
At the regional level, Tirana continues to lead the country in both the number of accidents and victims. During August 2025 alone, the capital registered 51 road accidents, resulting in 55 people injured or killed. Following closely behind is Lezha, which recorded 20 accidents during the same period.
Experts note that Tirana’s high traffic volume, combined with rapid urban expansion and inadequate parking spaces, makes it a hotspot for traffic violations and collisions. Lezha’s figures, on the other hand, are linked to heavy summer tourism and the increased number of vehicles traveling to the Albanian coast during August.
The Broader Context: Progress and Challenges
The 14.7% year-on-year decline in accidents between January and August 2025 offers some optimism. It reflects ongoing efforts by the State Police, Transport Ministry, and municipal authorities to strengthen road safety education, deploy more patrols, and improve infrastructure.
However, road safety advocates argue that behavioral change remains the biggest challenge. Many drivers continue to ignore seat belt laws, use mobile phones while driving, and exceed speed limits — particularly on intercity and rural roads.
According to traffic specialists, Albania still needs more investment in road signage, lighting systems, and pedestrian crossings, especially in suburban and rural areas. Additionally, the enforcement of penalties for repeat offenders must become more consistent and transparent to deter dangerous behavior.
What’s Next for Road Safety in Albania?
Authorities are expected to introduce new measures as part of the 2026 National Road Safety Strategy, which aims to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 30% within the next five years. This includes the introduction of intelligent speed cameras, stricter penalties for drunk driving, and awareness programs targeting professional drivers.
While technological improvements and police monitoring can help, experts emphasize that lasting change starts with driver awareness. Each individual’s responsibility on the road plays a crucial role in ensuring that fewer families suffer the tragic consequences of traffic accidents.
As the summer season ends and traffic patterns shift, Albanian institutions are once again calling on all citizens to drive responsibly, respect traffic rules, and prioritize safety over speed.
The latest INSTAT data paints a mixed picture: fewer accidents overall, but persistent risk factors rooted in driver behavior. Albania’s road safety efforts are showing results, yet the challenge of cultivating a culture of respect and discipline on the road remains an ongoing battle.