Bosnia and Herzegovina addresses high rate of alcohol-related traffic accidents

Driving under the influence of alcohol accounts for nearly ten percent of all traffic accidents in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While official statistics do not specify the exact fatality rate for alcohol-related incidents, recent events, such as a crash in Cazin that seriously injured three children, highlight the severe consequences of impaired driving.

Experts note that alcohol and other substances diminish cognitive abilities, leading to poor decision-making regarding speed, distance, and overtaking. In Republika Srpska, police data from the previous year reported that four children died and more than 200 were injured in traffic accidents.

To address these risks, Putevi RS is implementing a prevention project supported by the World Bank. The initiative focuses on enhancing road safety near 15 schools by installing raised curbs of at least 20 cm to act as buffers and deploying warning radars to protect students and pedestrians.