The city of Chania on the Greek island of Crete is mourning the loss of a 17-year-old, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a severe motorcycle accident. The news has prompted a gas station on the island to take a stand on road safety and do its part to prevent more senseless road traffic deaths in Greece.
The accident occurred on November 23 and the young motorcycle driver suffered critical head injuries after a fall during the crash. After battling for 16 days in the ICU, the young man passed away, according to reports at iefimerida.
Gas Station’s Fuel Policy for Helmetless Motorcyclists
In response to the tragedy, a gas station in the west Cretan region of Kissamos announced a groundbreaking voluntary safety policy. Starting as of December 11, 2024, the station will no longer supply fuel to motorcyclists or their passengers who are not wearing helmets. The policy applies to motorcycles of all engine sizes.
The station also urged other businesses to adopt similar measures to enhance road safety. In a statement, a representative of the station, EMMANOUIL RODOUSAKIS K & SIA OE, expressed their intent to prevent further accidents and fatalities:
“Due to the tragic loss of Giannis Christoulakis, we will not provide fuel to any motorcycle if the driver or passenger is not wearing a helmet. We hope other stations follow this initiative to prevent future tragedies. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Giannis’s family and wish them strength during this difficult time.”
Road Safety and Helmet Laws in Greece
In Greece, wearing a helmet is mandatory for all motorcycle riders and passengers. This regulation, in place since 1992, aims to enhance safety and reduce fatalities on the road, and non-compliance with this law results in a €350 fine and the confiscation of the driver’s license for 60 days. Additionally, only helmets conforming to the ECE 22 standard are approved for use.
Despite these stringent laws, helmet usage among Greek motorcyclists has been inconsistent and is poorly enforced by authorities.
Road Traffic Deaths in Greece Decreasing, but Still Above EU Average
Road safety remains a pressing concern in Greece. According to Eurostat, Greece recorded 654 road traffic fatalities in 2022, equating to 61 deaths per million inhabitants. This figure is significantly higher than the European Union average of 46 deaths per million inhabitants. Although Greece has made progress in reducing road fatalities over the past decade, it still ranks among the higher-risk countries in the EU.
Between 2010 and 2019, Greece achieved a 45% reduction in road deaths, showcasing the impact of targeted safety initiatives. However, the 2022 statistics underscore the ongoing need for improved enforcement and road safety measures.
