People aged 30 to 39 are most likely to die in alcohol-related traffic accidents.
In 2024, 33 people died in alcohol-related traffic accidents in Switzerland, representing a 32 percent increase over the previous year. Almost a third of these tragedies occurred in the 30 to 39 age group. Measured in terms of population, a particularly high number of serious alcohol-related accidents occurred in the canton of Glarus. In absolute terms, the canton of Vaud recorded the most fatal accidents. With the holidays approaching, the TCS reminds everyone: if you drink, don't drive.
In 2024, there were more fatal accidents involving alcohol on Swiss roads. Thirty-three fatalities represent a 32 percent increase compared to 2023. The 30 to 39 age group was the most represented with nine fatal accidents, followed by people between 50 and 59 with eight accidents. The 20 to 29, 40 to 49, and 60+ age groups each recorded five fatal accidents, while those under 20 were responsible for only one alcohol-related death. «With the festive season approaching, we should remember that a successful celebration ends safely. If you consume alcohol, leave your car at home and plan a safe return, for example with a sober driver, public transport, or Nez Rouge,» reminds Christophe Nydegger, Head of Road Safety at TCS.
Glarus overtakes Geneva
In 2024, the canton of Glarus recorded the highest proportion of serious alcohol-related accidents, with 1.43 accidents per 10,000 inhabitants, compared with 0.48 in the previous year. Uri follows with 1.05 serious accidents per 10,000 inhabitants, an increase from 0.54 in 2023. These changes can be explained in particular by the small population in these cantons, where an additional accident has a significant impact on the statistics.
Geneva, which has topped the list for seven years in a row, follows with 1.01 serious accidents per 10,000 inhabitants. This figure remains high compared to the national average of 0.47.
Geneva is followed closely by Jura (0.80), Obwalden (0.76), Valais (0.74), Basel-Stadt (0.70), Ticino (0.70), Neuchâtel (0.67), and Vaud (0.58). Compared to 2023, this share increased in the cantons of Jura (0.27), Obwalden (0.26), Valais (0.62), Basel-Stadt (0.66), and Neuchâtel (0.57), while it decreased in Ticino (0.73 in 2023) and the canton of Vaud (0.64).
The two Appenzells have not recorded any serious accidents.
Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden stand out positively, as no serious alcohol-related accidents were recorded there in 2024. The other cantons with the lowest rates are Schaffhausen (0.11), Zurich (0.29), Basel-Landschaft (0.30), Bern (0.34), and Lucerne (0.37).
Vaud records the highest number of deaths
In absolute terms, the canton of Vaud has the highest number of fatal alcohol-related road accidents, with a total of 5 fatal accidents. It is followed by Ticino with 4 fatal accidents and Valais and Zurich with 3 accidents each. In total, 16 cantons recorded at least one fatal alcohol-related accident in 2024, 7 more than in 2023, when only 9 cantons were affected.
Source: TCS
