Road deaths up again in 2015

THE NUMBER of people killed in French road accidents rose for the second consecutive year in 2015, up 2.4% on the previous year to 3,464.

Road deaths had been steadily declining over 12 years but began to pick up again in 2014. There were 83 extra deaths in 2015, and the number of deaths attributed to excessive speed is up by 50 on the previous year.

Interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve added that more people used their cars instead of public transport following the Paris terror attacks in November, and low petrol prices also led to an increase in overall car use.

Average speeds on French roads have increased in recent years, Cazeneuve said, pointing to a BVA study last April in which 75% of respondents said they did not always respect speed limits.

In an interview with Le Parisien, he said he still believed it was possible to bring the number of road deaths in France below the 2,000 mark by 2020.

"That's still our goal and it's realistic," he said. "We need strong and ambitious measures. Three things are central: tough checks, awareness from an early age and a relentless fight against drink- and drug-driving."