Pirkanmaa's road fatalities rise to 18, highest among Finnish regions

Pirkanmaa recorded the highest number of road traffic deaths in Finland from January to August, with 18 fatalities, 11 more than in the same period last year, according to Tamperelainen.

Across the country there were 109 fatal road crashes in January–August, resulting in 118 deaths. Drivers under 21 caused nine fatal motor vehicle crashes in that period, the fewest in five years. Two involved mopeds, and seven involved cars. The youngest drivers' crashes were mainly run-off-road incidents; by the end of August they had caused no head-on collisions.

Drivers aged 21–24 and 45–64 most often caused head-on collisions. The 45–64 group saw a drop in fatal crashes to 22, seven fewer than a year earlier.

There had been 14 fatal motorcycle crashes by the end of August. Ten were caused by the riders themselves and four by other vehicles, mostly run-offs. Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities were almost unchanged, with 11 pedestrians and 10 cyclists killed, plus one fatal e-scooter crash. Fatal intersection accidents were rare, with two occurring at level crossings.