In July 2025, the department experienced a doubling of road deaths compared to the previous year. Although bodily injuries from accidents have slightly decreased, the severity of the consequences is worrying the authorities.
In July 2025, eleven people lost their lives on the roads of the Alpes-Maritimes. There were five during the same period in 2024. The provisional data comes from the Departmental Road Safety Observatory. They reflect a marked increase in mortality and the number of serious injuries, despite a decrease in bodily accidents.
Last month, 95 accidents causing injuries were recorded, compared to 85 in July 2024. However, the proportion of serious accidents is higher. Forty-four people were seriously injured, which is twelve more than in 2024.
Since January 1st, the trend has been more nuanced. There have been 31 deaths between January and July 2025, compared to 33 for the same period last year. Victims are often vulnerable users: nine were drivers or passengers of motorized two-wheelers, eight were motorists, and seven were pedestrians.
Urban areas particularly scrutinized
The distribution of deaths by user category shows that three motorists, including two passengers, died in July. Three drivers or passengers of motorized two-wheelers also lost their lives. A cyclist and two pedestrians are also among the victims. Two users of motorized personal mobility devices, such as electric scooters, were killed.
Age statistics reveal that six victims were between 25 and 64 years old. Three were between 18 and 24 years old, and two were 65 years old or older. No child or adolescent deaths were recorded.
Mortalities particularly affected urban areas: ten deaths in urban areas, compared to four last year at the same time. Outside urban areas, there was one death, identical to July 2024. No fatal accidents were reported on the highway, while a death had occurred there last year.
Weekly data indicates that Mondays were the deadliest days, with four deaths. Tuesdays and Thursdays followed, with two deaths each. Fridays and Sundays recorded one death each, while no victims were reported on a Wednesday or Saturday.
The hourly distribution highlights a strong concentration of fatal accidents at night: six deaths between 8 PM and 6 AM. Three deaths occurred between noon and 8 PM, and two between 6 AM and noon.
Strengthening of road checks
Faced with this situation, the Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes calls for strict adherence to the Highway Code. He emphasizes that too many lives are shattered by excessive speed, alcohol and drug consumption, or phone use.
Police and gendarmerie services are intensifying the checks. “Total severity” is applied to combat dangerous behaviors. The number of license suspensions illustrates this policy: 340 suspensions were decided in July 2025, compared to 306 last year over the same period.
Since February 1st, 2025, the suspension scale has been tightened. Drivers with a probationary license do not benefit from any leniency.
The authorities remind that road safety relies on the individual responsibility of each user. The prefect insists on the necessity of “being aware of the responsibility one has for their own safety and that of others.”
Contrasting trends over the year
The provisional annual report presents a less bleak picture than that of July. The decrease of two deaths compared to 2024 is notable, but the overrepresentation of vulnerable users remains a concern.
In August 2024, 55 people lost their lives on the department’s roads, compared to 54 in 2023. The number of serious injuries was 334, compared to 354 the previous year.
The department’s observatory data allows for tracking monthly and annual accident trends and identifying risk profiles and situations. They help guide prevention campaigns and target inspections.
A call for caution before the peak of summer
August is often marked by dense traffic, due to holiday departures and tourist flows. Authorities fear worsening statistics if vigilance is not increased.
Risky behaviors at night, speed, and driving under the influence remain the main causes of serious accidents. Authorities urge the adoption of prepared routes, avoiding prolonged driving, and respecting speed limits.
Checks will continue throughout the summer, with targeted operations on heavily trafficked routes and the most affected urban areas.
