06.03.2025 - Between 2014 and 2023, nearly 1,500 fatal motor vehicle accidents occurred in road traffic. Of these accidents, 37 percent were caused by intoxicated drivers. Two-thirds of the drivers responsible for fatal crashes showed signs of substance dependence.
According to a summary report based on accident investigation board data, a total of 1,499 fatal motor vehicle accidents took place between 2014 and 2023. Of these, 528—37 percent—were caused by intoxicated drivers.
Among the fatal motor vehicle accidents caused by intoxicated drivers, 62 percent were single-vehicle crashes with no other parties involved.
In addition to motor vehicle accidents, intoxicated drivers were the primary cause of 15 fatal accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, or users of light electric vehicles.
Of the intoxicated drivers responsible for fatal crashes, about half (52 percent) were under the influence of alcohol only. Thirty-eight percent were under the influence of both alcohol and another substance, while one in ten was driving under the influence of a substance other than alcohol.
Many drivers with substance abuse problems still have a valid license
According to the data, 65 percent of the drivers showed signs of substance dependence.
"Two-thirds of intoxicated drivers appear to meet the criteria for substance dependence. They should not have a driving license. The underlying issue is that only a small proportion of those with substance abuse problems have been officially recognized as such. In this regard, we are failing as a society in enforcing the driving license directive," says Esa Räty, traffic safety manager at the Finnish Crash Data Institute (OTI).
According to the road accident investigation boards, an effective mechanical measure to prevent accidents involving intoxicated drivers is the mandatory installation of an alcohol interlock device for repeat drunk driving offenders.
"Mandating an alcohol interlock for those repeatedly caught for drunk driving could effectively prevent accidents," Räty states.
Preventive measures to address substance abuse problems, as suggested by the investigation boards, include recognizing substance dependence in healthcare, treating substance dependence as a condition that impairs driving fitness, and strengthening collaboration between doctors and the police in driver health monitoring.
The road accident investigation boards examine all fatal road and off-road traffic accidents in Finland.
More information
Finnish Crash Data Institute (OTI)Traffic Safety Manager Esa Räty, tel. +358 40 922 1365, firstname.lastname(at)oti.fiCommunications Specialist Leena Piirto, tel. +358 457 8208 344Communications, tel. +358 40 450 4700, viestinta(at)vakuutuskeskus.fi
Differences in accident statistics between OTI and Statistics Finland
The accident investigation boards primarily examine accidents where an involved person has died within three days of the accident. Investigations also include cases where death resulted from a medical condition.
In contrast, Statistics Finland's road traffic accident statistics classify a death as a traffic fatality if it occurs within 30 days of the accident, but fatalities due to medical conditions are not included in the figures.
The Finnish Crash Data Institute (OTI) works to prevent traffic accidents in Finland. We coordinate the activities of the road accident investigation boards and manage the data collected from investigations. Additionally, we compile statistics on damages covered by traffic insurance. The scope and quality of our statistical data are internationally unique. We provide data for traffic safety development, research, and evidence-based decision-making. The Finnish Crash Data Institute operates as an independent unit within the Finnish Motor Insurers’ Centre.