25 Dead in Easter Holiday Traffic Accidents as Nearly 2 Million Vehicles Leave Attica and Thessaloniki

Greece’s Easter holiday period saw a massive movement of nearly 2 million vehicles from the country’s two largest urban centres, Attica and Thessaloniki, to the regional road network — but the great holiday exodus was marred by tragedy, with 25 people losing their lives in road accidents nationwide.

According to official data from the Hellenic Traffic Police, between 11 and 27 April 2025, a total of 1.9 million vehicles were recorded leaving the metropolitan areas. Despite a 17.2% drop in fatal accidents compared to Easter 2024 (24 this year versus 29 last year), the toll remains grim.

While deaths decreased slightly by 6.7% (25 compared to 30 in 2024), serious accidents rose to 25 cases from 20 last year, and minor accidents increased by 6.8%, totalling 453 incidents compared to 424 previously. Serious injuries also rose, with 34 people seriously hurt compared to 25 a year earlier. Minor injuries reached 600 cases, up from 550.

Targeted Traffic Checks

In an effort to curb dangerous driving behaviours during the high-traffic period, police across the country conducted targeted inspections of 270,359 vehicles — 21,134 more checks than in 2024. These inspections resulted in 77,568 traffic violations being recorded, up from 72,284 the previous year.

The most common offences included:

• 18,762 cases of speeding

• 3,130 instances of not wearing a protective helmet

• 2,257 violations for failing to wear a seat belt

• 1,577 drivers caught under the influence of alcohol

• 1,490 cases of driving without a licence

• 625 drivers using a mobile phone while behind the wheel

Positive Trends in Attica

A particularly positive development was noted in Attica, where fatal traffic accidents fell dramatically by 60% — from 10 last year to just 4 this Easter. Serious accidents also saw a slight decline, with six recorded incidents compared to seven in 2024 (a 14.3% reduction). Minor accidents, however, saw a marginal increase (231 this year compared to 220 last year).

Nevertheless, traffic offences in Attica spiked. Speeding remains a significant problem, with confirmed cases almost doubling compared to last year (2,130 in 2025 versus 1,108 in 2024). Other dangerous behaviours also persisted, including:

• 559 cases of driving under the influence (up slightly from 546)

• 891 helmet violations (compared to 884)

• 455 seatbelt violations (up from 375)

• 146 instances of running a red light (compared to 99)

The Hellenic Traffic Police emphasise that despite some improvements, continued vigilance and road safety education are essential to reducing traffic-related deaths and injuries, particularly during busy travel periods like Easter.

Source: pagenews.gr