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.
