Steiermark records Austria’s highest summer road death toll

Twenty-two people died in road crashes in Styria during July and August 2026, the highest toll among Austria’s federal states, according to ORF. Nationwide, 81 people were killed in road accidents over the summer.

Motorcyclists accounted for 29 of the victims, while 30 were driving cars. Overall, 73 percent of those killed were car drivers or motorcyclists.

David Nosé of the ÖAMTC said the risk of dying in a crash was around 30 times higher for motorcyclists than for car drivers, according to the BMIMI’s road safety strategy. He also said many motorcyclists lacked regular riding practice.

Inattention, distraction and excessive speed remained the most common causes of crashes involving car occupants. The ÖAMTC urged all road users to adapt their driving to the conditions and avoid risky manoeuvres.

Although the number of road deaths has fallen, it remains above the BMIMI’s target of halving the figure by 2030. That target level had already been exceeded by August this year. The ÖAMTC called for increased caution as the autumn season approaches and brings additional weather-related risks.