One week after a tragic accident claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy in Pajovë, Peqin, hundreds of residents gathered to protest and demand immediate action from authorities. The child was struck and killed when two cars collided on the Peqin-Elbasan national road, sending one vehicle off-course. It hit the boy, who had been playing on the side of the road killing him.

Why is this important: The incident has sparked outrage and grief among the local community, emphasizing the critical need for road safety improvements in heavily populated areas. Residents have witnessed numerous fatal accidents and feel that their calls for protective measures have gone unanswered for too long.

Community’s demands:

• Speed limit enforcement: Protesters are urging the installation of speed limit signs and traffic cameras to curb reckless driving. One of the cars involved in the latest accident was allegedly speeding.
• Infrastructure upgrades: Protestors also demanded the construction of sidewalks, pedestrian overpasses, and barriers to protect residents from high-speed vehicles. There is a complete lack of such infrastructure on many Albanian roads which often pass right through villages or small towns.
• Official accountability: Families and community members directed their pleas to the National Road Authority, the municipality, and the police, emphasizing the urgency of these changes.

Context: The father of the 8-year-old victim, made a heartfelt plea for justice and safety. “I want order on this road. Lower the speed limit. No one should experience what I have,” he said through tears, describing how his son was hit while playing with friends.

The demonstration briefly blocked traffic on the national road. Protesters held signs reading, “Protect Children’s Lives” and “The State Must Act,” while students from Qemal Ataturk High School voiced fears about speeding cars near their school. Long-time residents, like one woman who has lived there for 35 years, spoke of countless accidents, saying, “We tremble in fear every time we cross. It’s like a shadow of death hangs over us.”

Broader traffic issues: The problems in Pajovë reflect a nationwide issue. Despite visible improvements, traffic discipline remains a challenge across Albania. Double parking, dangerous driving, speeding, and improper overtaking are common, with many drivers showing a cavalier attitude toward traffic laws. Meanwhile, enforcement by police remains inconsistent and often lax, leaving citizens feeling unsafe on the roads.

According to the Albanian Institute for Statistics (INSTAT), Albania remains among the European countries with the highest road fatality rates, ranking sixth in 2022. That year, 164 people lost their lives in traffic accidents—equivalent to 59 fatalities per 1 million residents. This rate far exceeds the EU average of 46 deaths per 1 million, as reported by Eurostat. 

Although the overall number of traffic deaths has significantly decreased over the years—the average from 2014 – 2020 was 235 deaths per year —road safety remains a pressing issue. The majority of accidents (70-80%) are caused by reckless driving, with younger drivers aged 25-34 being the most common offenders.

While Albania’s road safety statistics are alarming, the broader European landscape also saw an increase in road fatalities in 2022, rising by 4% compared to 2021. Romania leads with the highest mortality rate, while Sweden records the lowest. 

What’s next: Despite improvements, the push for stricter road safety measures continues both in Albania and across Europe. Residents in Pajovë hope that their protests will finally bring attention to these alarming figures and prompt meaningful change to protect lives on Albanian roads.