The road mortality report in France for last November reveals an alarming situation. Young people and pedestrians are particularly affected, and the use of substances like nitrous oxide appears to be an aggravating factor. Behind these figures lie tragic stories, where the carelessness of some can have irreparable consequences.
Road mortality on the rise: young people and pedestrians
The Road Safety Authority has sounded the alarm: last November, road mortality among those under 24 rose by 19% compared to the previous year. According to the National Interministerial Observatory for Road Safety (ONISR), 19 young people under 18 lost their lives on our roads, five more than during the same period last year. For those aged 18-24, the situation is equally tragic with 51 deaths, six more than in 2024. Conversely, older individuals are somewhat the forgotten victims of this tragedy, with only 63 deaths recorded, a notable decrease of 11 victims.
In total, 270 people lost their lives on the roads of metropolitan France in November 2025, compared to 266 in November 2024. Pedestrians also paid a heavy toll with 46 deaths, eight more than the previous year. On the side of motorists, the figures remained stable with 142 drivers deceased. Looking at the overall picture, it is noted that 1,213 people were seriously injured during the past month, representing a slight decrease of 2% compared to November 2024.
Young people and pedestrians paid a heavy toll in road deaths last month in France © Yayimages
Deaths on the roads: nitrous oxide, a deadly weapon
The interministerial delegate for road safety, Estelle Balit, pointed out a concerning reality: “The majority of accidents are related to a failure to comply with the rules of the Highway Code.” Among these failures, the consumption of substances proves particularly insidious. “This is particularly the case with nitrous oxide, whose inhalation leads to a loss of self-control, and thus of control over one’s vehicle”, she reminded, while reporting several recent tragedies.
Nitrous oxide: a high-risk practice for everyone
Tragic stories illustrate the dangers associated with the consumption of nitrous oxide. Recently, three teenagers aged 19, 14, and 15 lost their lives after their car ended up in a swimming pool in Alès (Gard). The 19-year-old driver was under the influence of nitrous oxide as well as alcohol and cannabis. An explosive cocktail that reminds us that the use of substances before or during driving can not only have disastrous consequences for the driver and their passengers but can also lead to serious criminal charges.
Some improvement overseas
To conclude this grim picture, it is important to note a slightly more positive aspect. In our overseas territories, law enforcement recorded an 18% decrease in bodily injury accidents during November 2025. However, despite this encouraging trend, thirteen people lost their lives there last month, which is 18 fewer than during the same period last year.
This concerning situation calls for a collective awareness. Roads must be shared with caution and responsibility. It is up to each of us to act to prevent these tragedies from happening again.
