French highway safety data for 2024 reveals a historic decline in fatal accidents, with 114 deaths recorded on concessioned motorways—down from 164 the previous year—marking the lowest toll ever documented. Yet beneath this positive trend, the French Association of Motorway Companies (ASFA) warns of a troubling rise in specific risk factors behind the wheel.
Drowsiness and fatigue, once in decline, now contribute to 19 percent of fatal crashes, up from 13 percent in 2023. These incidents predominantly occur between 2 a.m. And 4 a.m., especially on weekends, affecting drivers across all age groups.
Inattention, frequently tied to smartphone use, GPS interaction, or in-vehicle technology, plays a role in 14 percent of deadly accidents. ASFA notes a clear spike during afternoon commutes, between 2 p.m. And 6 p.m., linking distraction to routine work-related travel.
Perhaps most alarming, the presence of pedestrians on highway lanes accounted for 20 percent of fatal incidents in 2024. In three out of four cases, individuals were struck while standing on active traffic lanes, often after exiting a broken-down vehicle.
Wrong-way driving and reversing maneuvers on motorways have doubled within a year, increasing from 4 percent to 10 percent of fatal accidents. Nearly half—42 percent—of drivers involved in these incidents were over the age of 70.
The findings underscore that while infrastructure and vehicle safety have improved, human behavior remains a critical variable in road safety outcomes. ASFA urges renewed public awareness campaigns targeting fatigue management, distraction prevention, and proper emergency procedures, particularly for older drivers and those traveling during high-risk hours.
