Road deaths up in Switzerland
The number of traffic deaths in Switzerland rose in 2007 for the first time since 2003.
There were 400 fatalities, up eight per cent overall, according to the Touring Club of Switzerland (TCS). In western Switzerland and the southern canton of Ticino, the figure rose by a dramatic 21 per cent.
The TCS said its goal of reducing the number of deaths to 300 by 2010 was no longer realistic.
The organisation expressed alarm at the number of fatal accidents caused by drivers without licences. But it also pointed to ways in which the figures could be cut, notably by improving road layout outside built-up areas and making better pedestrian crossings in town.
It will not be possible to make an in-depth analysis of the reasons for the increase until a more detailed breakdown of the figures is available later in the year.
The worst year for road deaths in Switzerland was 1971, when 1,773 people died. Overall, the figure has been steadily decreasing since 1995.
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