Biggest rise in fatal traffic accidents in 20 years; Increase only among men

Last year, 759 people died in traffic accidents in the Netherlands, 84 more than the year before. That is the biggest increase in 20 years, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported. The rise was only among male victims. The number of women who died in traffic decreased. Cyclists again formed the largest group of victims, followed by occupants of passenger cars.

Three times as many men died in traffic as women last year, with a total of 575 men against 184 women. The number of male traffic fatalities was 21 percent higher than in 2024. The number of female victims decreased by 8 percent.

The number of cyclists killed in traffic accidents rose by 35 percent to 281. In about 40 percent of these cases, the bicycle involved was an e-bike. Eight fatbike riders died in traffic.

The increase in the number of fatal bicycle accidents occurred primarily among men aged 70 and older. In this group, 118 cyclists lost their lives, 40 more than a year earlier.

Additionally, 228 passenger car occupants died in traffic accidents last year. As did 59 pedestrians, 54 people on mobility scooters, 53 motorcyclists, and 38 moped riders. There were also six victims for whom the mode of transport was unclear.

Also striking is the increase in the number of deaths among occupants of delivery and freight trucks. This number rose from 6 people in 2024 to 40 last year.