Helsinki has achieved a remarkable milestone: a full year without any traffic fatalities. This joyful news reflects the harmonious collaboration between the city and its residents, who have embraced a comprehensive strategy focused on enhancing road safety.

In the past, Helsinki faced significant challenges, with around 30 traffic fatalities annually during the 1980s due to numerous accidents. However, as the public transportation system expanded and improved, fewer individuals relied on cars for their daily journeys, leading to a steady decline in accidents and fatalities.

The evolution of vehicle safety has also played a vital role, but heartbreakingly, lives were still lost due to preventable incidents. Every tragic call made to grieving families underscored the need for change and a renewed emphasis on safety.

In response, the city took significant steps to improve street safety. Speed limits were reduced from 30 mph to 18 mph on many city roads. Roni Utriainen, a traffic engineer with the city’s Urban Environment Division, noted, "A lot of factors contributed to this, but speed limits are one of the most important."

A data-driven approach has allowed city planners to reimagine urban layouts, incorporating safer infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. The introduction of more traffic cameras and automated speed enforcement has further bolstered these efforts.

As a result, the past 12 months have been nothing short of extraordinary, with no traffic fatalities reported since a tragic incident in the Kontula district. The positive trend is evident, as Utriainen highlighted, noting that in 2019, no pedestrians were killed in traffic either.

Helsinki continues to adapt its safety strategies, responding to emerging trends on the roads, including the rapid increase in electric scooters. This ongoing commitment to safety ensures that the city remains a welcoming and secure place for all its residents and visitors.

This inspiring progress in Helsinki showcases the power of community collaboration and thoughtful planning in making our streets safer and our lives brighter.