Provisional road casualty figures released today by Transport Scotland show an increase in road fatalities between 2023 and 2024, but a reduction in overall casualties over the same period.
In 2024 there were 160 road fatalities, an increase of 13 from a revised figure of 147 in 2023. There were 1,931 serious casualties in 2024, which is a slight reduction from the 1,952 recorded in 2023. Slight casualties decreased by 7% (from 3,739 to 3,485) meaning that total casualties reduced by 4% (from 5,838 to 5,576).
Despite the overall increase in fatalities between 2023 and 2024, the number of active travel fatalities reduced over the same period. Pedestrian fatalities reduced from 47 to 41 and cyclist fatalities reduces from 7 to 3.
The overall increase in fatalities was largely driven by car fatalities, which rose from 57 to 74. Motorcycle fatalities also increased from 27 to 31.
Road casualties have increased since 2020 and 2021 when the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions led to reduced travel. However, in 2024 the number of fatalities was the third-lowest recorded in a non-pandemic year.
Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 contains four national targets for casualty reductions due for delivery in 2030. These targets compare performance to a 2014-2018 baseline.
Commenting on the provisional reported road casualty statistics for 2024, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:
“Behind every one of these statistics is a person or a household that has been changed forever, and my thoughts are with the families and friends that have lost loved ones and those who’ve been injured. One life lost on our roads is one too many, and I want to reiterate that road safety remains an absolute priority for the Scottish Government.
“I updated parliament last year that fatal casualties were tracking above targets in 2024 and, sadly, the figures published today confirm an overall rise in casualties last year. However, I refuse to accept that people being killed or injured on our roads is inevitable and it is more important than ever that we continue to support the vital work of the Scottish Government and partners to save lives.
“We are increasing investment in road safety in this budgetary year to a record £48 million. This will help fund safety improvements on both trunk roads and local roads, high profile campaigns to raise awareness of key issues like speeding, seatbelts and drink/drug driving, as well as advancing the use of technology aimed at making our roads safer.
“It’s vital that we continue to work with our partners at all levels as we look towards reaching our target of Scotland having the best road safety performance in the world by 2030. I recently spoke to organisations at the Road Safety Scotland Annual Seminar and I am set to chair the next Strategic Partnership Board meeting later this month, where I will continue to impress the importance of road safety investment on members.
“These figures are a painful reminder of the challenge we face, but I remain absolutely determined to save lives and ensure we continue working towards our long-term vision of no-one being killed or seriously injured on Scotland’s roads by 2050.”
(Pic: Scottish Government)
