A recent report indicates a positive trend in Finnish winter traffic safety, with fatalities in winter-related accidents decreasing to less than half of what they were in the first decade of the 2000s. Despite this encouraging development, accidents still occur, and a statistical analysis reveals that vehicles equipped with studded tires are involved in a higher relative proportion of accidents compared to those with non-studded tires. This suggests that, while studded tires are popular, they may contribute more to accidents when examined proportionally to their overall usage.

According to the 'Tyres for the Weather' campaign, non-studded tires constitute approximately 22-23% of all winter tires in use in Finland. The adoption of non-studded tires seems to be increasing, especially among new vehicles, with their share of the market rising to 28.1% last year. This shift indicates a changing attitude among drivers, possibly reflecting a greater awareness of the safety implications associated with different tire types in winter conditions. Furthermore, the increase in non-studded tire usage over the past decade signifies a possible move towards more environmentally friendly or safer driving practices.

The implications of these findings are significant for public safety and tire regulations in Finland. As non-studded tires show a growing share of the market, further studies may be warranted to understand their efficacy compared to studded tires. Policymakers might need to consider these statistics in developing future regulations on winter tires to ensure they promote the safest choices for drivers during the harsh winter months, ultimately contributing to further improvements in traffic safety in Finland.