Western Greece reports traffic fatalities and police staffing shortages

Police reports from Western Greece indicate a rise in serious road incidents during September 2026. The regional police directorate for Achaia, Elis, Aetolia, and Aetolia-Acarnania recorded 36 traffic accidents, resulting in two deaths and 58 total casualties. Key causes identified include driving under the influence, driving against traffic, and driver distraction.

Simultaneously, the Association of Police Employees of Aetolia has raised alarms regarding critical staffing shortages within frontline services. The association claims that while administrative headquarters have been reinforced with nine officers since February 2025, operational units are being depleted. They report that in some areas, there are no patrol cars available to respond to incidents, and personnel are working shifts with insufficient staffing, increasing risks for both officers and the public.