Italy road safety report highlights risks from alcohol, drugs, and smartphones

The 19th DEKRA Report, presented to the Italian Chamber of Deputies, emphasizes that road safety requires a combination of technology, clear regulations, safe infrastructure, and shared responsibility. While 59% of Italians consider their roads safe, priorities for improvement include maintenance, enforcement, and road education.

Data reveals significant behavioral risks: approximately 31% of Italians admit to driving after consuming alcohol, and 16% admit to driving after using drugs. Smartphone use remains a primary cause of human-error accidents, with 46% of respondents admitting to using a mobile phone while driving. The report also notes that large vehicle touchscreens present similar distraction risks to handheld smartphones.

Knowledge gaps regarding traffic laws are also evident. Roughly 71% of Italians feel the need to review the Highway Code, and 26% are unaware of recent legal changes. Furthermore, 59% of those surveyed do not realize that a driver's license can be suspended following a positive drug test, even without visible signs of impairment.