The Week of Remembrance for Traffic Victims begins, Increase in the number of fatal accidents in 2025

Today, at Tempulli College, the official activities marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (#WDoR2025) were launched. The events are organized by AMRKS, Tempulli College and the Institute for Road Safety and Transport Research, in cooperation with the Kosovo Police, partner institutions, traffic experts and the media.

Opening the event, Prof. Muhamed Krasniqi from Tempulli College emphasized the importance of this week for Kosovo’s society, the shared commitment to road safety, and the ongoing 10-year partnership with the global WDoR initiative. He noted that this day serves as a profound moment of remembrance, reflection and mobilization to take concrete actions that save lives.

Speaking on behalf of the Kosovo Police, Lieutenant Colonel Jeton Rexhepi praised the cooperation with the organizers of the Remembrance Week and highlighted the Police’s continued support for initiatives that promote public awareness, educate younger generations and foster a culture of road safety. He stressed that the Kosovo Police remains committed every day in the field to protecting the lives of citizens and strengthening a safe road environment.

In his presentation, Lt. Col. Rexhepi shared the latest data on road safety:

• 97 people have lost their lives in road accidents in 2025 so far(compared to 87 victims in the same period of 2024).

• Kosovo ranks best in the region in terms of road safety.

According to Kosovo Police statistics, a ten-year comparison shows clear and consistent progress in road safety. In 2011, 139 fatal accidents were recorded, resulting in 157 deaths, while in 2024 the number of fatal accidents dropped to 89, with 97 victims.

These figures reflect a significant decrease in fatalities and severe accidents over the years, demonstrating the effectiveness of measures taken by the Kosovo Police and partner institutions in traffic control, public education and the implementation of preventive policies.

However, the increase in victims during the current period of 2025 is considered an alarm, underscoring the need to continue joint efforts and intensify preventive actions on the ground.

It was also highlighted that:

• During the summer season, up to 2 million additional vehicles enter Kosovo.

• In 2024, more than 3 million vehicles circulated in the country.

• Number of driving license holders: 475,902 (2011) → 905,638 (2024) (+90.3%).

• Registered vehicles: 189,943 (2011) → 501,452 (2024) (+164%).

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Sara Fusha Osmani presented the full weekly agenda, which includes educational, awareness-raising and commemorative activities with pupils, students, the Kosovo Police, institutions and the wider community (the detailed agenda is attached).

The activities continue throughout the week and culminate with the “Lighting of Candles” ceremony on 16 November at 17:00, near the “Newborn” monument.