Bulgarian Ministry of Interior warns of rising winter road accident risks

The Bulgarian Ministry of Interior has issued a warning regarding the increased risk of traffic accidents during the transition from summer to winter. The ministry attributes the rise in heavy accidents to driver errors combined with deteriorating meteorological and road conditions.

Data from the Razgrad Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior for the period between October 1 and November 30, 2025, recorded 17 serious accidents resulting in 21 injuries. The most frequent types of incidents were vehicle collisions and collisions with trees. Excessive speed was identified as the primary cause, linked to eight serious accidents involving nine victims, followed by failure to yield the right of way.

The ministry highlighted five key risk factors: excessive speed, insufficient following distance, reduced visibility, unprepared vehicles, and risky pedestrian behavior. Environmental challenges such as fog, rain, snow, and early darkness significantly reduce visibility. Additionally, wet or icy roads increase braking distances, making summer-standard following distances unsafe. Drivers are also advised to ensure vehicles are equipped with proper tires, functional wipers, and working lighting systems to mitigate these risks.