A recent report by Vias, Belgium's road safety institute, highlights the staggering social cost of road accidents in the country, estimated at €10.9 billion annually.

Encouragingly, there has been a decline in serious accidents, with 40 fewer deaths and 140 fewer serious injuries reported in 2023 compared to the previous year, leading to savings of approximately €500 million.

Despite this progress, over 500 people died in road accidents in Belgium in 2022, including 76 young individuals, prompting the Association of Parents of Road Accident Victims to hold a rally in their memory.

An Vandeborne, director of the association, emphasized the importance of honoring all road accident victims, particularly the youth, and called for safer environments for children.

The report categorizes the costs associated with accidents into victim-related costs, such as loss of quality of life, and accident-related costs, which include property damage and administrative expenses.

It also outlines the broader impacts of road accidents, which encompass human suffering, material damage, medical costs, and lost productivity due to injuries.

Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Road Safety Minister, Georges Gilkinet, underscored the need for increased efforts and investments in road safety, given the significant economic burden of accidents.

When including slight injuries and property damage, the total cost associated with road accidents rises to nearly €11 billion for 2022, revealing substantial hidden costs, according to Vias spokesperson Benoit Godart.

The financial implications are stark, with the cost per road death in Belgium calculated at €7 million, while serious injuries are estimated to cost €700,000 and minor injuries €70,000.