Nearly 30,000 people suffered serious injuries or were killed on Great Britain’s roads last year in figures released by the Government.
The report provides a stark reminder during National Road Victim Month in August, that road collisions have devastating consequences to thousands each year; from life-changing injuries to the loss of a loved one.
In the findings, 29,918 causalities were reported by the police last year, up by 4% since 2024, with an average of four people losing their lives every day, while more than 80 people suffered serious injuries.
The findings emerge as the Government continues to develop its Road Safety Strategy, with further updates expected on legalisation, driver restrictions and enhanced learning schemes later this year.
While the UK remains as the fourth safest country in the world and the latest findings uncover an improvement to road safety over time, the figures demonstrate that there is still more to be done to meet the latest Government road safety targets; reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Great Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.
Since 2004, fatalities have fallen more than 50% with the introduction of speed reduction schemes, stricter penalties for dangerous driving and further use of vehicle safety features. Despite overall figures at an increase, road fatalities are down by 4% since 2024.
At 53%, car occupants made up the largest proportion of casualties, with speeding given as a key factor towards serious injuries and casualties. Speed-related factors were cited in 52% of fatal collisions and most fatalities occurred on 60 mph roads. With many rural roads having the national speed limit of 60mph, these also accounted for 60% of all fatalities.
However, car occupants weren’t the only demographic at risk. Motorcyclists continue to face a disproportionate risk on Britain’s roads. Despite making up just 1% of traffic, motorcyclists still accounted for a quarter of all road deaths (25%). Together with motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians represented half of all casualties.
Law firm Slater and Gordon is urging drivers to view the figures as an important reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility. As part of Road Victim Awareness Month, the firm is highlighting the life-changing consequences of road collisions, encouraging all road users to make safer, more responsible choices behind the wheel.
Bob Miller, senior associate solicitor, said, “Behind the statistics, this is a life changed or tragically lost. The impact of a road traffic collision can be experienced for years.
“During recovery, many victims and their families find themselves navigating various challenges to overcome what has happened. They face legal processes, there’s workplace adjustments, financial challenges and they may face hardships with their mental wellbeing. It is genuinely one of the most difficult things anyone can experience.”
“National Road Victim Month is an opportunity to recognise why road safety matters and share awareness of the support available to those affected by road injury.
Raymond Williams, Police Relationship Manager at Slater and Gordon, added, “Progress is being made, but these figures show we are still far from achieving roads that are safe for all users.
“It is encouraging to see road deaths continue to fall, with fatalities now at one of the lowest levels on record. Every life saved represents a family and community that has been spared the devastating consequences of a fatal collision.
“National Road Victim Month serves as a sobering reminder that behind every statistic is a real person whose life has been changed forever. While the reduction in fatalities is undoubtedly positive, more than 29,000 people were still killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads last year and this rise shows that there is still a significant road safety challenge facing Great Britain.
“The figures highlight ongoing concerns around speeding, motorcyclist safety and the risks on rural roads, while vulnerable road users continue to account for a disproportionate number of serious and fatal casualties.
“As a former police officer, I have seen first-hand the devastating impact road collisions can have on victims, families and communities and lost count the number of times I have knocked on someone’s door to give devastating news and then accompany them to a mortuary to identify their loved one.
“These statistics should not lead to complacency. We must continue investing in enforcement, education and safer road design, while encouraging all road users to take responsibility for their actions behind the wheel. Until nobody loses their life or suffers a life-changing injury on our roads, there is still a long way to go before our roads are truly safe for everyone.”
