More Road Accident Victims on Swiss Roads - Seniors Particularly Affected
20.03.2026 | from VCS Swiss Transport Club
Reading time: 2 minutes
20.03.2026, The latest figures from the Federal Roads Office Astra show an increase in serious traffic accidents last year. 4149 people were killed or seriously injured in road traffic. The over-65 generation is disproportionately affected. The VCS Swiss Transport Club sees a need for action.
The road safety of seniors is increasingly becoming a central challenge. Already between the years 2014 to 2024, the number of serious accidents in the 65+ age group has increased by 10 percent – according to BFU figures, 40% of those killed in road traffic are people aged 65 and over. At the same time, the proportion of older people in the population continues to grow. This also increases the importance of safe traffic routes for this age group.
The development is particularly visible in bicycle traffic, as Michael Rytz, VCS Project Manager for Road Safety, explains: 'E-bikes are particularly popular among seniors. The motor makes longer distances easier and climbs effortless.' Unfortunately, the boom also leads to more accidents: 'Since 2015, the number of e-bike accidents among people aged 65 and over has almost tripled. Many of the serious accidents happen in urban areas,' Rytz notes.
For this reason, the VCS regularly offers e-bike courses in many regions. Participants get to know their vehicle better, improve their riding skills, and thus travel more safely. The VCS offers the half-day driving courses free of charge from the end of April.
Infrastructure must become fault-tolerant
An important approach to improving safety is the so-called Safe System approach, which is also supported by the World Health Organization WHO. In this approach, road safety is not left solely to road users - infrastructure, vehicle technology, and regulations also contribute. 'Unfortunately, people make mistakes. Therefore, the transport system must be designed in such a way that these errors do not end fatally,' says Rytz. Effective measures include traffic calming and speed reduction – such as the establishment of encounter zones and more 30 km/h zones, for which the VCS has always advocated.
For further information, please contact:
Michael Rytz, Project Manager Road Safety, 031 328 58 60
Media Office VCS, 079 708 05 36, medien@verkehrsclub.ch
VCS Swiss Transport Club
Aarbergergasse 61
PO Box
3001 Bern
Media Office 079 708 05 36
medien@verkehrsclub.ch
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher.
Conclusion of this article: « More Road Accident Victims on Swiss Roads - Seniors Particularly Affected »
VCS Swiss Transport Club
The VCS is a registered association based in Bern. It is non-profit and politically independent.
The VCS is committed to environmentally friendly mobility and an optimal interaction of car, bicycle, train, and pedestrian traffic. It advocates for public transport, more environmentally friendly cars, and safe roads.
Additionally, it offers its members insurance coverage for motor vehicles, breakdown assistance, and travel protection letters.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: VCS Swiss Transport Club, Press release
Original article published on: Mehr Unfallopfer auf Schweizer Strassen - Seniorinnen und Senioren stark betroffen