Road safety remains a major concern in Réunion. In 2025, 42 people lost their lives in traffic accidents, a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Men accounted for 90% of fatalities, while those aged 18 to 44 represented 57% of deaths. Four children under the age of 14 were also among those killed on Réunion's roads.
In total, 1,126 people were injured during the year, 308 of whom required hospitalization for more than 24 hours. The number of serious injuries, however, decreased by nearly 8% in one year. The situation for motorcyclists, on the other hand, remains alarming: fifteen of them died in 2025, representing 36% of all fatalities. Their mortality rate has increased by approximately 115% compared to 2024, reaching a level not seen since 2007.
Alcohol remains the leading cause of fatal accidents.
Alcohol is implicated in 41% of road fatalities in Réunion, with nineteen victims involved. Speeding is a factor in 28% of fatal accidents and is linked to eleven deaths, while drugs are involved in 20% of accidents. Nighttime is also a particularly dangerous period, accounting for 64% of fatal accidents. Young people aged 18 to 24 represent the largest group of injured.
The initial figures for 2026 confirm the need to maintain prevention and enforcement efforts. Since the beginning of the year, eighteen people have already died and 685 have been injured, 162 of whom have been hospitalized. The prefecture therefore plans to strengthen its actions against alcohol, drugs, speeding, and using a mobile phone while driving, while paying particular attention to motorcyclists and scooter riders. This situation is part of a broader projected to reach 253 road deaths in France's overseas territories by 2025, a 6% increase year-on-year.
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