1,602 Lives Lost on British Roads Last Year
Fewer reported road collisions in 2024
New figures from the Department for Transport show a continuing downward trend in the number of road accidents reported.
In 2024, 128,272 casualties were recorded overall – a 4% drop from the year before. Reported road accident deaths also saw a 1% decline last year, with a total of 1,602 recorded.
While these statistics show a move in the right direction, progress is slow and thousands of individuals and families continue to be affected by road traffic accidents.
We spoke to our Head of Legal Services Jacqueline Busby about the latest report and what the figures mean:
“These latest statistics are a sobering reminder that, while progress is being made, road collisions continue to cause immense harm.
“1,602 people lost their lives on our roads last year, and thousands more suffered serious injuries.
“It’s vital that we keep working towards safer roads for everyone, and that those affected by road accidents know where to turn for support.”
Who is most at risk on the roads?
Car occupants accounted for 43% of all road deaths and 55% of all casualties in 2024. Most accidents reported involved at least one car.
Pedestrians made up 26% of fatalities last year – an increase of 1% from 2023. There was also an 8% increase in the number of motorcyclist deaths recorded, with these road users accounting for 21% of recorded road deaths.
In terms of sex and age, men remain the most at risk. In 2024, 76% of fatalities and 61% of casualties were male. There was also an increase in the number of fatal accidents involving men aged 50-69 and 70 and over.
Casualty rates also vary by road type. Most deaths took place on rural roads (60%), but urban roads were the location for most accidents (62%). Perhaps surprisingly, although motorways carry 21% of road traffic, only 6% of fatalities took place on these roads.
What are the main reasons for fatal collisions?
Speed was a factor in 59% of fatal crashes where a cause was recorded. Driver behaviour or inexperience was a factor in 52% and distraction or impairment in 34%.
Seatbelt use also remains a serious problem. Around a quarter of people killed in cars in 2024 weren’t wearing one. The figure was even higher among men (28%) and for those travelling at night (39%).
Work-related journeys appear to add another layer of risk, with around a third of fatal crashes involving someone driving for work.
If you’ve been affected
While the 2024 road casualty figures show some signs of progress, the reality is that too many people are still being killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads. Every number in the report represents a life changed forever – for the victims, their families and their communities.
If you or someone close to you has been involved in a road traffic accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. We could help you access compensation and support.
You can speak to us for free by calling the number at the top of the screen or by filling in our quick online form.
